Simon Cowell wants his son to work for him

In an interview on 'Good Morning Britain', the Syco record label boss said: "I always believe in that apprentice thing, where you learn from other people and that's what I would say to him which is absolutely start at the bottom and you get to find out who you like and how you communicate with people and that's what I would say to him. And be kind to animals."

Making a joke about setting his son to work in "seven or eight years", Simon admitted he would like Eric to work behind a desk rather than in front of a camera.

He said: "Yes, I would rather he do that (work behind a desk), yes. In here (my office)."

Simon also spoke about the One Direction boys and he is very proud of how the four remaining members - Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan - dealt with Zayn Malik's shock departure in March.

He said: "They're doing fine. When it happened (there was) no warning - nothing - and they just they were still doing these huge tours and they dealt with it."