Simon Cowell: I'm proud to become a dad

British TV mogul Simon Cowell says he's looking forward to being a father, his first public confirmation that he will be having a child with married New York socialite Lauren Silverman.

Cowell, who had previously dodged questions about the affair, told the BBC that "things are changing in my life right now, for the better," adding: "I'm proud to be a dad."

The 53-year-old talent show curmudgeon said Silverman is "a very special girl" and that while he hadn't thought of fatherhood before, "now I know I feel good about it."

According to People, in 2009, Cowell sang a different tune about kids, saying in an interview, "God, no, I couldn't have children. If I had them here drawing on the walls I'd go nuts. You've got to be up at a certain time. Got to listen when all you want to do is sit in a corner thinking."

Cowell was speaking at the world premiere of the film "One Direction: This Is Us" in London on Tuesday.

Forbes recently namedCowell the highest-paid TV personality. He's tied with Howard Stern.