Simon Cowell leaving hospital after the birth of his son

Simon Cowell leaving hospital after the birth of his son

Simon Cowell has named his son Eric after his father.

The reality TV mogul and his partner Lauren Silverman have decided to name their firstborn - who was delivered two weeks early yesterday (14.02.14) weighing six pounds and seven ounces - in honour of his late father, who passed away in 1999.

Simon, 54, wrote on Twitter: "Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome."

He later added: "Lauren in great shape. Thanks for all of your kind messages."

The couple had been rumoured to be naming the baby Simon, and the star teased they had settled on a moniker for the tot last November, but they were determined to keep it a secret.

He told E! news: "Actually, we agreed on a name last night, me and Lauren. I'm not going to say what it is yet, but I'm happy."

Simon was joined in the delivery room for the birth by Lauren's parents.

Many celebrities have already weighed in to pass on their congratulations to 'The X Factor' judge and Lauren on their new arrival.

David Walliams - who stars on the judging panel of 'Britain's Got Talent' with Simon - joked on Twitter: "Huge congratulations to @SimonCowell and Lauren Silverman on the birth of their son. They have named him David Sinitta Louis-Walsh Cowell.(sic)"

Simon's close friend and ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour wrote: "Congratulations to @simoncowell and Lauren! Welcome to the world Baby Cowell!!! XX (sic)"

Former 'Britain's Got Talent' judge and friend Piers Morgan posted a picture of Simon as a boy with his father and tweeted: "A young Simon Cowell with his father Eric, who he adored ... lovely tribute to name his son after him (sic)."

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