Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell already "feels like father".

The 'X Factor' judge, whose newly-divorced pregnant lover, Lauren Silverman, is set to give birth to their first child in February, poked fun at his recent cheating scandal by suggesting he has plenty of experience with children thanks to One Direction.

Speaking at the world premiere of the boy band's new 3D movie 'One Direction: This is Us' in London's Leicester Square on Tuesday night (20.08.13), Simon joked: "This is like a dream come true... I feel like a father."

The Syco boss, 53, 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, according to the MailOnline website.

Despite still being very much together with Lauren, who reached an amicable settlement with her ex-husband, Andrew Silverman, and secured joint custody of their son, Adam, seven, in New York last week, weeks after he filed for divorce citing her passionate affair with Simon as the reason for their split, was not present.

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."