Anyone who decides to press play on Simon Cowell’s latest TV venture, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, will quickly realise that it’s part talent competition part reality show. Viewers are given an unprecedented insight into Simon’s personal life, from his multiple mansions and doting staff to his relationship with his fianceé, Lauren Silverman.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Simon does not seem to be gunning for the Partner of the Year award. Amongst other things, Lauren joking-not-joking asks if he knows how to put the dog’s lead on, pleads with him to care about their son’s primary school graduation while he’s attached to an IV drip, and laments that it’s a struggle to ‘even get five minutes’ with her fianceé.
Nevertheless, we also see her by his side through the trials and tribulations of his self-funded search to find the ‘next big boyband’. And in one episode, Lauren reveals that she has decided to change her surname to ‘Cowell’ (ahead of their wedding) as a birthday present to Simon so that she has the same name as their son Eric.
If, like us, you watched the eight-part series and found yourself wanting to know more about the woman who has decided to spend her life with TV’s greatest villain, you’ve come to the right place.
Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman at a screening of his new Netflix series.(Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Simon Cowell: The Next Act)
Who is Lauren Silverman?
Lauren Silverman, who is now called Lauren Cowell, is a 48-year-old socialite and entrepreneur. She is known for running in elite circles and regularly attends high-profile events.
‘Look, I am Mrs Cowell,’ she told the Daily Mail. ‘I have created a life with Simon. We have a child together. We have a solid relationship.’
‘This is more about the unity of our family and us having the same name,’ she said. ‘When we discussed it, Simon said, “Yeah, I would really like you to change your name.” It wasn’t a dramatic statement, it was just: “This is who I am, and this is who we are.”‘
Her previous surname Silverman was that of her ex-husband and property tycoon Andrew, with whom she shares a 20-year-old son, Adam. She explained that she kept his surname after their divorce for the sake of Adam, but now that he is an adult she would like to share a name with her younger son.
How did Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell meet?
Simon was famously single for most of his career and vowed never to get married or have children, so when he announced he was in a serious relationship it piqued a lot of interest.
It turns out Simon and Lauren first met in 2004 in Barbados while Lauren was still married to the father of her first son, Andrew Silverman, a friend of Simon’s. Their relationship reportedly began as an affair and became public in 2013 when they announced Lauren was pregnant with their son Eric, prompting her divorce.
However in May 2012, Simon’s lawyer released a statement: ‘Any implication or statement that my client is engaged in adultery and has allegedly broken up the marriage of Ms Silverman is not only false but reckless.’
When the pregnancy news broke Lauren’s ex-husband also released a statement and said, ‘My top priority is protecting my seven-year-old son while working to resolve all outstanding issues with my wife,’ adding, ‘hopefully people can respect the interest of our child during this process.’
Lauren also added: ‘I am committed to sorting things out with Andrew as amicably as possible to ensure the wellbeing of our son. I would hope for some space and privacy in order to work through this.’
When did Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman get engaged?
The couple got engaged during a beachside holiday in Barbados on Christmas Eve in 2021. Both Eric and Adam were present for the occasion.
Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman in January 2024. (Photo by Ricky Vigil M / Justin E Palmer/GC Images)
Do Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman have kids?
Yes, the couple have one son together called Eric, who is now 11 years old. Simon has described becoming a father as the best thing that has ever happened to him and says part of the motivation to create his new Netflix show was to show his son that he’s ‘still got it’.
‘From the moment I saw the scan, I was like “That is it, I’m besotted”. Now I just cannot imagine my life without him,’ the TV personality previously told Kelly Clarkson. ‘He’s the most amazing thing that every happened to me. I adore him.’
When are Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell getting married?
Although they haven’t set a date yet, and have been engaged for four years, the couple are reportedly planning the wedding in earnest. Simon said the process has been ‘easy’ (his Netflix show might suggest he has not had much involvement). ‘It depends on how big or small you make it,’ he said in 2023. ‘Don’t forget, we’ve known each other a long time, so trust me, this is not gonna be a thousand people turning up or whatever.’
What is Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman’s relationship like?
Simon Cowell: The Next Act, which was produced by Simon’s own production company, makes him look like a fairly incompetent partner. There is even a scene where Lauren asks Simon to promise that his latest boyband venture won’t mean he doesn’t have time to have dinner with her. In another scene, his dismissal of their son’s graduation upsets her to the extent that she asks for her microphones to be taken off and goes home.
However, Lauren has previously gushed about her life with the music mogul. ‘We switch off properly,’ she said in 2021. ‘We also watch movies, do yoga and clay pigeon shooting. We walk the dogs together. We cook.’
Where do Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman live?
Simon has an estimated net worth of £600 million making him one of the wealthiest people in the UK. As such, he owns several luxury homes (as seen on the show). His primary residence is in the Cotswolds but he also has a mansion in Malibu and one in Beverly Hills. Simon previously owned a house in Holland Park in London (which he sold for £45 million in 2023) and a property in Wimbledon.
Does Lauren Silverman have social media?
Yes, you can follow Lauren under her new account @LaurenMichelleCowell.
Nikki Peach is a senior writer at Grazia, working across news, entertainment, features. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).
