Pics: Simon Cowell becomes a dad!

Simon Cowell has become a father for the first time, and took his Twitter account to share some adorable pictures of his newborn son.

The music mogul’s partner Lauren Silverman, gave birth to Eric – named after Cowell’s father – at 5.45pm in New York on Valentine’s Day.

The infant – who was born two weeks early – weighed in at 2.9kg at birth.

According to BANG Showbiz, as soon as Cowell heard that Silverman was in labour, he flew from London to New York by private plane in time for the birth.

A source told JustSimonCowell.com: "You couldn’’t take the smile of Simon’s face. Ever since he walked in the hospital he was beaming from ear-to-ear.

"Lauren was so happy to see him when he walked in. It is the perfect Valentine’s gift the couple could have."

Cowell tweeted after the birth: " Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.

"Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all of your kind messages."

Two days after Eric’s birth, Cowell shared some intimate photographs of himself, Lauren and Eric.

He shared a close-up of his son, with the caption " ….now you can see how very handsome little Eric is."

The famously stern Cowell showed off a much softer side with an intimate snap of himself and his son, writing: "I never knew how much love and pride I would feel."