Simon Cowell avoids divorce court appearance

Simon Cowell is reportedly expecting his first child with Lauren Silverman (PA)

Simon Cowell has avoided the prospect of a court appearance after the woman reported to be carrying his baby "resolved" her legal battle with her estranged husband.

The X Factor boss was named as a "co-respondent" in Lauren Silverman's divorce papers by her husband Andrew, according to reports in the United States, and faced the possibility of being called to give evidence.

But a statement released by Ms Silverman's lawyers said: "The matter has been resolved and the parties have moved on."

Mrs Silverman, 36, who has a seven-year-old son Adam with her soon to be ex-husband, is reported to be in line for a multimillion-pound payout from him.

Pop mogul Cowell has remained tight-lipped about the story and refused to comment directly when he appeared at a press conference in Los Angeles earlier this month ahead of the new series of the US version of the talent show.

"I've haven't read the newspapers," the 53-year-old joked, as he was questioned about the reports.

Asked if his schedule would be affected by being a father, he replied: "I really haven't read the newspapers. Did I miss anything?"

He added: "Unfortunately, I have to keep this, for the moment, private. It's just one of those things. Thank you very much anyway."

PA