Simon Cowell has opened up for the first time about his affair with Lauren Silverman. The ‘X-Factor’ judge has said he feels ‘no pride’ over the circumstances surrounding the beginning of his relationship with Silverman, who was married to his best friend at the time.

Simon CowellSimon Cowell has spoken for the first time about his affair with Lauren Silverman.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday Event magazine, Cowell said: "I’m not proud of the circumstances, I can’t hold my head up about it.” The 56-year-old music mogul is reported to have began his relationship with Lauren while she was still with ex husband Andrew Silverman.

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The couple’s affair became public in July 2013 when Lauren revealed that Silverman was expecting Cowell’s baby. Recalling he moment when he learnt he was going to be a father for the first time, Cowell said: "This was not something I planned.”

“But I remember going to the first scan with Lauren, I called him Tad because he looked like a tadpole. Something just kicked in. I felt unbelievably protective of both of them. I just absolutely wanted him. I just hadn’t known that before.”

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Cowell added that fatherhood has changed him completely, even if he might not be the most conventional father. ”I adore my son," he said. "We make each other laugh. We play with the dogs. I’ve taught him to share, to say please and thank you. Whatever he has he offers it to me."