Simon Cowell Becomes Dad On Valentine's Day

Music mogul Simon Cowell is celebrating the birth of his first child with his New York socialite girlfriend Lauren Silverman.

The X Factor judge, 54, had jetted over to New York to be by his partner's side as she gave birth shortly before 11pm on Friday - Valentine's Day.

A spokesman for Cowell said: "They are all OK. Simon was there for the birth. He landed at 6.15pm, British time, and he was at the hospital by about 7.15pm.

"He was there for the birth."

He has been named Eric, after Cowell's late father, and weighed 6lbs 7oz (2.9kg).

Cowell spoke of his joy at the birth on Twitter, saying: "Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.

"Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all of your kind messages."

Speaking about his impending parenthood in August last year while attending a film premiere, Cowell said he was looking forward to becoming a father.

"Things are changing in my life right now, for the better," he said. "I'm proud to be a dad."

Cowell, who previously dated Mezhgan Hussainy and Terri Seymour, said he had never contemplated the thought of fatherhood before.

"It's something I hadn't thought of before, but now I know I feel good about it," he admitted.

"She (Lauren)'s a very special girl."

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.