Smitten Simon Cowell's new love Mezhgan Hussainy 'is the one'

Simon Cowell has publicly declared he is "smitten" with new girlfriend Mezhgan Hussainy and believes "she's the one".

The X-Factor judge also hinted that he may be ready to fully settle down at last and start a family.

Cowell has had a string of high-profile relationships with glamorous women, including Terri Seymour, but he has never married.

But the eternal bachelor indicated he may be ready to change his ways during an interview with Piers Morgan for Morgan's ITV show.

According to audience sources, Cowell told how he is "smitten" with the make-up artist, 36, and said he believes: "She's the one. She's very special."

Cowell added: "You know when you've found somebody very special."

Speaking about children, the talent show judge, usually known for his sharp tongue, showed his softer side with talk of having "little Simons" around.

The interview was recorded for Piers Morgan's Life Stories and will air in early March.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was the latest interviewee to be seen by viewers on the show and talked emotionally about his family.