Simon Cowell plays doting dad to mini-me son Eric on a fro-yo run with Lauren Silverman in Beverly Hills
Viewers loved seeing Simon's softer side when his son surprised him at the X Factor
HE used to be the King Of Mean but Simon Cowell was anything but when he played the doting dad to his son Eric while out for frozen yogurt over the weekend.
The music mogul looked the picture of happiness as he and his partner Lauren Silverman took their two-year-old out for a Sunday treat.
Simon, 56, was eager to hold the little tot's hand as they crossed the street but Eric was more interested in chowing down on his yummy snack.
The X Factor boss's mini-me took after his dad as Simon also appeared to be enjoying his fro yo.
The family even had colour coordinated their outfits for their Sunday jaunt as Simon wore his usual look of flared denim jeans, smart shoes and a grey tshirt while Eric sported white and blue striped shorts and a grey-blue top.
Lauren cut a stylish figure in blue skinny jeans and a floral camisole top with a rose print and lace detailing.
She couldn't keep the smile off her face as she strolled down the street in Beverly Hills with their other half and their young son.
The 39-year-old topped off her look with some tortoise shell sunglasses, a gold watch, cream satchel and gold sandals.
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Their family outing comes after viewers were left swooning when Eric made a surprise appearance on the X Factor last weekend.
The tot was brought along to the auditions by Lauren so he could deliver a surprise to Simon on Father's Day.
Viewers at home loved seeing the softer side of Simon with fans saying it was "fantastic" to see him light up in the presence of his son.
One wrote on Tweitter: "Oh my god, Simon as a dad... so so cute...and Eric is just adorable!!"
Another added: "Simon with Eric is so cute".
The adorable display came after The Sun revealed that Simon has decided to take up vaping rather than smoking for the sake of his son.
“The idea is to cut down on the number,” he told us.
"The Vape has been successful. It's a good one, it tastes nice and sweet.
"My driver was on 40-a-day and he has cut out smoking completely. I'm on 80-a-day now. It's a step in the right direction. I don't smoke in front of Eric for obvious reasons."
He also admitted that he has changed since becoming a dad as he's now calmer and can put things into perspective with ease.
He said: "I think like with anything, you have a lot more perspective on things.
"Eric has made a massive difference because I wasn't expecting that and I didn't know what that would bring to my life. He is so much fun."
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