Cowell to become a dad with friend's wife: Reports

LONDON — British media mogul Simon Cowell, known for his outspokenness as a judge on American Idol and other talent competitions, is about to become a father for the first time after allegedly getting his close friend’s wife pregnant, according to reports.

Cowell, 53, is said to be expecting a child with Lauren Silverman, who is said to be 10 weeks into the pregnancy. The 36-year-old New York socialite is still married to Andrew Silverman, a close friend of Cowell’s.

Us Magazine quote an unnamed source saying: “Lauren and Andrew have been unhappy in their marriage for some time, and their divorce has been in the works for a while. As their marriage deteriorated, she and Simon became close.”

There has also been no suggestion that Cowell came into the picture and caused a break-down in the Silvermans’ marriage. It is understood that Silverman’s marriage is all but over but the couple have yet to divorce, and a few reports say she’s set on marrying Cowell.

Cowell’s spokesman, Max Clifford, has yet to comment on the reports.

Last year, Cowell spoke about fatherhood in an interview with AOL Music, saying: “I do really, really like kids, because I can talk to them and listen to them. The problem has always been how much time you need to devote to bringing up kids. I’ve always dedicated all my life to work, and at 52, I’ve probably missed the opportunity.”

Cowell and Silverman were last spotted in public in London about four months ago, as they rode in a limo to the West End to watch a play. They were spotted last summer in St Barts on holiday together.

Tabloids last linked Cowell with former Playboy playmate Carmen Electra in December. In 2010, he was engaged Afghan make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, whom he met on the set of American Idol. AGENCIES