Simon Cowell has given his first proper interview since the birth of his baby son Eric last month - and is full of the joys of fatherhood.

The 54-year-old telly tycoon told Extra that he was already contemplating more children - because he could see how happy his dogs made one another!

"I was born to be a dad," he boldly declared.

"I wouldn't rule out [more children]. Well, I got Squiddly and Diddly, and I couldn't imagine Squiddly or just Diddly.

"I had a brother when I was younger, so I kind of think it's cool to have two or three... two."

SiCo also admitted that he cut it fine arriving in New York for Eric's birth on 14 February - because he was working in London when Lauren Silverman went into labour.

"Phone rings at half past five in the morning, 'I'm about to give birth', so we had to find a flight, which we did, and I got there with two hours to spare."

He also confessed that his fears about not bonding with the baby had been proved wrong.

"I actually said to Lauren beforehand, 'What if I like the dogs more than him?' and she said, 'You're gonna be absolutely fine', and then literally within seconds of him being born, I got it."

But amidst all the lovey-dovey chit-chat, SiCo still found time for one of his trademark cheeky gags.

"Lauren's actually been crying more than Eric, so I've had to put one of those pacifiers in her which she likes. Has to be fed every three hours, otherwise she gets a little bit grumpy, and Eric's absolutely fine."