Simon Cowell: I Never Knew How Much Love and Pride I Would Feel

Simon Cowell was every bit the doting father as he shared the first pictures of his new born son on Twitter.

The music moguls' girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Valentines day. 17.45 EST on Friday, Valentine's Day, weighing 6lbs 7oz.

Cowell tweeted three black and white photos featuring himself, Silverman and Eric, telling his followers: "…now you can see how handsome little Eric is."

With a picture of him cradling Eric he said: "I never knew how much love and pride I would feel."

Returning to the New York hospital on Saturday, the 54-year-old music mogul was beaming with all the pride of a new father, as he gave a thumbs up to onlookers.

Dressed in his trademark baggy jeans, T-shirt and a heavy coat, he arrived brandishing a red bag, perhaps containing a gift for his new born son, who he earlier revealed would be named Eric after his father.

A source said: "Lauren's mother and sister were in the delivery room with them when she gave birth. Simon's mother, Julie, is looking forward to meeting the baby in the UK."

The X Factor judge has been receiving message of congratulations from his celebrity friends.

David Walliams wrote: 'Huge congratulations to @SimonCowell and Lauren Silverman on the birth of their son. They have named him David Sinitta Louis-Walsh Cowell.'

US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres tweeted: "What a perfect day for @SimonCowell to have his son be born. I wish you all the love in the world."

Former girlfriend Terri Seymour said: "I called him tonight and he is so excited. It really is all change for him, but he is ready. Eric is a great name. It is great that he picked that name in honour of his father. It is very touching. I can't wait to see them all."

Mario Lopez sent a message via Twitter saying: "#Congrats to my boy @SimonCowell & his Valentine's Day baby!!! Smooth move... Only you could pull that off Sir."

Tom Jones, who is a coach on rival BBC show The Voice, said that Cowell would be a natural father.

Speaking at the Mending Kids International All Star Concert for Children Worldwide In Los Angeles, he said: "So good luck to him and his partner and his new child. I think having a child is a responsibility.

"I had a child when I was 17-years-old and you can do both. You can have a family and still enjoy being in show business. It can be done but you have to make sure that you put your time in, and be a loving father that is all you have to do.'

Piers Morgan shared a throwback photo of a young Simon with his father, writing: "A young Simon Cowell with his father Eric, who he adored... lovely tribute to name his son after him."

Former Pop Idol judge, Nigel Lythgoe joked: "'I look forward to working with Simon again on a brand new production, "My Kid's Got Talent."