Simon Cowell spoke about his soon to be fatherhood for the first time at the premiere of One Direction: This Is Us last night, and said he is excited to become a father for the first time.

Cowell joked that he 'felt like a dad' when first asked about how proud he was of One Direction and their success last night, although we all know that ego-stroking went inward as he's the one who put the boys together in the first place.

The 'X Factor' boss has finally opened up about his pregnant girlfriend Lauren Silverman, who reached a divorce settlement with her ex-husband Andrew Silverman last week, and believes she has changed his life for the better, telling the BBC: '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. Things are changing in my life right now, for the better. She's a very special girl.'

Simon declined to discuss his relationship status further and according to Us Magazine, he told reporters on the red carpet: 'Unfortunately, I have to keep this for the moment private. It's just one of those things. But thank you very much anyway.'

The couple have not been seen together since news of their secret relationship, which allegedly began four years ago, broke but the music mogul has arranged for Lauren to jet across to the UK to meet his mum, Julie Brett.

A source previously said: 'Lauren is flying to the UK to be formally introduced to Simon's mum. He's more nervous about that than becoming a dad! Simon's mum is the boss. He wants her approval, and for Lauren and Julie to become close. It means everything to him that the two most important women in his life form a good bond.'

The Syco boss was joined by his ex-fiancee Mezhgan Hussainy and ex-girlfriend Sinitta on the red carpet after jetting in for the premiere from their holiday in the Mediterranean.