Simon Cowell has broken his silence regarding his impending fatherhood revealing that he is “proud to be a dad”.

News broke a little while ago that the X Factor mastermind is expecting his first child with US socialite Lauren Silverman, who was married to Andrew Silverman, one of Cowell’s long term friends at the time of conception.

The pair swiftly settled a divorce and Cowell has since remained quiet about the matter until now.

He spoke to BBC News whilst he was attending the premiere for the One Direction movie yesterday and told them: “[I'm] proud to be a dad.

“Things are changing in my life right now. [It's] something I haven't thought of before and now I know I feel good about it.”

It has been rumoured that Cowell and Lauren are still involved romantically although this has neither been confirmed nor denied by Cowell.

He did take the time to compliment her during his conversation with BBC News saying: “She's a very special girl.”

Cowell wouldn't give any further information about how far along Lauren is or whether the baby is to be a boy or a girl, merely saying “I can’t say”.