Simon Cowell has finally confirmed that he is to become a dad.

Reports have been circulating for a few weeks that he is due to have his first child with 36-year-old New Yorker Lauren Silverman.

Divorce proceedings between the socialite and her husband have since started and speaking at One Direction's film premiere on Tuesday (August 20) in London, Cowell broke his silence to the BBC.

The media mogul said that Silverman is a "very special girl", adding about fatherhood:

"I’m ready for that role, I’m very happy and very excited.”

He continued: "Things are changing in my life right now, for the better. I'm proud to be a dad. It's something I hadn't thought of before, but now I know I feel good about it."