Simon Cowell has become a father for the first time after his partner Lauren Silverman gave birth on Valentine's Day.

The X Factor judge got to New York just hours before the arrival of son Eric, who weighed in at 6lbs 7oz, reports The Sun.

Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 15, 2014

He later took to Twitter to say: "Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome. Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all your kind messages."

He went on to reveal that his first son was named after his late father.

Simon had been in London to film auditions for the new series of Britain's Got Talent when he got the news that Lauren had gone into labour. He made it to the hospital three hours before the birth, which was also attended by Lauren's mother and sister.

And it wasn't long before the X Factor guru's showbiz friends were taking to Twitter to pass on their congratulations.

Fellow BGT judge David Walliams said: "Huge congratulations to @SimonCowell and Lauren Silverman on the birth of their son. They have named him David Sinitta Louis-Walsh Cowell."

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

— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) February 15, 2014

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell's ex-girlfriend Sinitta had earlier tweeted to say she was in a bar waiting for news of the arrival of her 'god son'. She later said: "All is well and baby boy says "parents are well and CUTE!". Happy Valentines day BABY!! #justInTimeValentine!"

All is well and baby boy says "parents are well and CUTE!". Happy Valentines day BABY!! #justInTimeValentine!

— Sinitta 19 (@sinittaofficial) February 14, 2014