Simon Cowell was delighted to receive a surprise visit from his son during 'The X Factor' auditions.

Simon and Eric Cowell

Simon and Eric Cowell

The 56-year-old music mogul was enjoying a break from listening to aspiring singers when his girlfriend Lauren Silverman came backstage with two-year-old Eric and wished him a "happy Father's Day".

Simon was thrilled to see the tot had made him a card but failed to get the little boy to sit on his knee to show him his creation as Eric was so excited.

As Eric jumped up and down and flapped his hands in delight, Simon asked him: "You made a card? Have you turned into a bird?

"You drew me a painting? Why are you trying to fly?"

Simon's female fellow judges, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne, seemed equally thrilled to see Eric in the clip that was broadcast on the show over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Simon recently admitted he has taking up vaping in order to quit smoking because he wants to ditch his deadly habit for his son.

He said: "The idea is to cut down on the number.

"The Vape has been successful. It's a good one, it tastes nice and sweet.

"My driver was on 40-a-day and he has cut out smoking completely. I'm on 80-a-day now. It's a step in the right direction. I don't smoke in front of Eric for obvious reasons."

Last year, Simon admitted he was worried that Eric would ask him to quit smoking when he gets older.

He said: "I have tried everything. If Eric grows up and says stop it I don't know what I would do."

"I don't smoke around him and I wouldn't do that. I have thought about what he might say in a few years. It is my worst vice ... this is the one thing I would find very difficult to give up because I do love a cigarette."

And he was unsuccessful when he underwent hypnotherapy in a bid to kick the habit, as he had another cigarette in his mouth within moments of leaving the session.

He explained: "I tried once to give up smoking, and the first thing I did when I walked out of the hypnotist's was light up a cigarette. I actually wanted one more."

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