Friend gives Cowell blessing for baby with his wife

Simon Cowell. Photo / AP

Andrew Silverman has given Simon Cowell his blessing to have a baby with his wife.

The property tycoon was left reeling at the revelation yesterday that the 53-year-old music mogul is allegedly expecting a child with his own spouse Lauren Silverman but is now trying to make the best out of the situation.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Andrew was shocked at first. But he is warm and friendly with Cowell. He was surprised by the affair and is now trying to agree a settlement so that everyone can get on with their lives."

Although the news that 36-year-old socialite Lauren is 10 weeks pregnant with Cowell's child came as a shock to estranged husband Andrew, insiders claim Cowell and Lauren have been friends for years and their relationship blossomed over the course of several group holidays.

The source added: "Over the past two years, Simon and Lauren got together in New York, Los Angeles and on his chartered yacht in the South of France and Caribbean.

"It was obvious that they shared a particular understanding but no one could have guessed how deep it went. Andrew was always present."

The X Factor boss is notoriously fickle in love and finds it hard to commit to women, most recently calling off his engagement to make-up artist Mezghan Hussainy in 2012, but Lauren is hopeful a baby will tame his bachelor ways.

Another insider added: "Lauren knows creating a long-term relationship with Simon can only work if she gives him space to work and relax. She's sure she can do it where others have failed.

"As a sparky, generous New Yorker who has been in love with Simon for some time, she does bring something special to the relationship - and that's Baby Si."

- Bang! Showbiz