Daddy Cool: Simon Cowell Shares Adorable Snap with Son Eric

He may be TV's Mr Nasty, but when it comes to his son, Simon Cowell, like most parents, is a big softie.

The X Factor impresario has shared as heart-warming snap of himself holding his six-month old son Eric on Twitter.

In the picture, captioned "Taking after his daddy" the duo pose on board a private yacht topless wearing matching Rayban sunglasses. Cowell grins broadly while a cheeky Eric pokes out his tongue.

And fans were pleased to see media mogul's tender side.

"Awww he looks like a caring daddy. Need more out there like this!!" one fan said.

The 55-year-old star, who returns to the X Factor judging panel later this year, appears to have taken some time out from his hectic schedule to enjoy some family time with his son and girlfriend Lauren Silverman.

Since the birth of his son on Valentine's Day, the proud father has been regularly keeping fans updated with his development on social media.

In a previous post, the tot is seen laying in a bath gazing at his dad as he gives him a wash before bedtime. Another snap was captioned: "Eric has already learnt to read" and shows the little boy appearing to read a magazine while reclining in his bouncy chair.

Their impromptu photoshoot comes after Cowell revealed that he was taking fatherhood in his stride.

"It's not that difficult – if you've got a good [partner], who I've got, it's a lot of fun. It's easier than I thought," he told BANG Showbiz.