Simon Cowell is already feeling "very attached" to his unborn baby.
The music mogul is expecting his first child with American socialite Lauren Silverman. Although Simon previously ruled out having a family, he is looking forward to his new role as a parent.
"I have changed my mind," he told Mail Online's Baz Bamigboye. "Once it’s happened, you feel completely different. Once I heard the news about the baby... little bit of a shock, then I got used to it, and then I became incredibly paternal and protective and I feel very attached to the baby already."
Simon is 53 and admits he thought the chance to have kids had passed him by.
The famously sarcastic talent show judge is clearly overcome by the prospect of welcoming the new addition into his life next year.
"The fact that it can happen at this time of my life is fantastic, maybe a miracle..." he smiled.
Lauren, who recently divorced Simon's friend Andrew Silverman, is believed to be due to give birth in February.
Simon and Lauren have been spotted in London this week looking very loved-up as they enjoyed a series of romantic dates.
Although Simon has never been married, it seems he may be ready to finally settle down.
"That’s a very leading question," he laughed when asked if he is considering marrying the mother of his child. "You’ll just have to wait and see."
Earlier this week it was reported that Simon is eager to name the baby after his father Eric if it's a boy, or Erica if he has a daughter.
The X Factor boss’ dad passed away after suffering a heart attack in 1999 at the age of 81.
