Simon Cowell is becoming a first-time dad with a married woman who targeted him for a paternity payday, her friends said yesterday — and now, her cuckolded husband is gunning for his own piece of the “X-Factor” host in fiery New York divorce papers. 
 
 Scheming social climber Lauren Silverman, 36, had pretended to treat Cowell as just a close friend as they yachted and hobnobbed together — only to blindside her unsuspecting husband, Andrew, 37, long after the affair was in full swing, sources say. 
 
 2ND IMMACULATE CONCEPTION? SIMON COWELL’S TEAM DENIED SILVERMAN RELATIONSHIP TO PAGE SIX 
 
 “It is an unbelievable story of betrayal. It is a sad story and a tragic story,” Andrew’s brother, Alexander, told The Post. 
 
 One friend of the shapely brunette said that the Silvermans “weren’t estranged. The suggestion that she was an estranged wife who fell into another man’s arms is not the case.” 
 
 In fact, Andrew, a real-estate developer, had been so oblivious to the sordid, under-his-nose affair that he recently upgraded Lauren’s engagement ring with a 10-karat diamond, a friend said. 
 
 “She is a total gold digger,” one pal said. 
 
 Another added, “The pregnancy was by design.” 
 
 Andrew is so livid, he’s seeking revenge on both Cowell and his straying wife — who is 10 weeks pregnant with Cowell’s baby. He’s taking the highly unusual step of embarrassing Cowell personally by naming him as a co-respondent in divorce papers, which were filed under the radar in Manhattan Supreme Court two weeks ago. 
 
 New York is a no-fault divorce state, but Andrew has filed for a fault divorce based on adultery. 
 
 That means Cowell, 53, risks being hauled to the witness stand to reveal his finances — he is said to be worth about $350 million — in addition to the sordid details of his affair with Silverman. 
 
 “It’s really a signal to the spouse who cheated that the wronged spouse is very angry and that it’s going to be a very nasty, scorched-earth, high-profile litigation,” said noted divorce attorney Martha Cohen Stine. 
 
 Another top matrimonial attorney agreed that the rare move was a pressure tactic. 
 
 “It’s very nasty,” said William Zabel, billionaire George Soros’ attorney. “I assume it’s to embarrass them and get them to settle.” 
 
 Cowell and Lauren Silverman had met on vacation seven years ago at the exclusive Sandy Lane resort in Barbados. Silverman dutifully introduced Cowell to her husband. 
 
 The Silvermans and Cowell — who was squiring English presenter Terri Seymour at the time — hit it off. They double-dated and vacationed together frequently, remaining close as Cowell traded in Seymour for his next, long-haired brunette gal pal, makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, who would become Cowell’s fiancé. 
 
 The married Silvermans and the engaged Cowell and Hussainy were even photographed frolicking together on the X-Factor judge’s yacht in St. Barth’s in January 2012 as if everything was fine and faithful — even though by then their extramarital treachery was in flower, a friend of Lauren’s said. 
 
 Andrew and Lauren had lived together in their Upper East Side apartment until June, when she moved out to their home in Bridgehampton with their 7-year-old son, also named Andrew, to spend the summer near the beach. 
 
 Her friends say she’s “overjoyed” by the pregnancy and Cowell can’t wait to be a father. 
 
 “He’s thrilled,” one friend said, adding that he traveled to Miami to meet Lauren’s parents. 
 
 Lauren and Cowell have lawyered up, hiring the high-powered divorce team of Bernard Clair and Robert S. Cohen. 
 
 Lauren’s husband, Andrew, comes from a moderately wealthy real-estate family, although, compared to Cowell’s massive fortune, he’s a small fry. 
 
 “He’s just an average guy from a real- estate family,” said one realty source. 
 
 Andrew works for The Andalex Group, founded by his father, Allen Silverman. Andrew, along with his brother, Alexander, have been called rising stars in New York’s real-estate industry. 
 
 The company, however, ran into some problems with a marquee project in Long Island City, Queens, where it spent $130 million converting a former electric factory into luxury condominiums, according to published reports. 
 
 A group of condo owners in the Arris Lofts building filed a civil complaint in 2010 seeking $20 million in damages when they said the developer ignored repeated requests for repairs. The disposition of the claim was not known. 
 
 Andrew married Lauren while they were in their mid-20s. 
 
 “I always found her very pretty, but I found them to be very pretentious,” an acquaintance in the Silvermans’ social circle said. “And I always wondered why she married him, and I figured it was for money.” 
 
 Andrew was spotted running from his Midtown office to a car yesterday when reporters asked him for a comment. 
 
 Meanwhile, Cowell’s mother, Julie, seemed thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandmother, telling The Sun newspaper in England, “I’m delighted. It’s wonderful.” 
 
 Rosy Davis, who is the wife of Lauren’s father, Steven, told Britain’s Daily Mail, “We are all excited for the baby. It’s beautiful. We feel blessed.” 
 
 Close friends of the Silvermans say the real issue is who will care for their little boy. 
 
 “How will all of this play out? That’s the really sad part,” a friend said. 
 
 Additional reporting by Tara Palmeri, Julia Marsh and Frank Rosario ||||| Simon Cowell accused of adultery in divorce papers as he's blasted by brother of pregnant lover's husband for 'unbelievable betrayal' 
 
 
 
 Cowell is 'very stressed' about the news, and has employed lawyer Marty Singer to help him deal with the 'crisis' 
 
 Andrew naming Cowell in the divorce papers means he is likely to be called to the witness stand to reveal details of the 'affair' 
 
 
 
 Music mogul, 53, remained silent as he was quizzed about the news in LA on Wednesday night 
 
 
 
 Lauren, 36, is due to give birth to Cowell's child around Valentine's Day in February 2014 
 
 
 
 Sinitta, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Carmen Electra have all offered their congratulations 
 
 Simon Cowell was today sensationally named in divorce papers filed by his married lover Lauren Silverman's husband Andrew, as his brother blasted the music mogul for his 'betrayal'. 
 
 Alexander Silverman insisted that news of Lauren's pregnancy constituted a breach of trust by Cowell, as he had been close friends with both Lauren and millionaire casino owner Andrew. 
 
 
 
 He told the New York Post : 'It is an unbelievable story of betrayal. It is a sad story and a tragic story.' 
 
 Alexander's comments came as it was reported that Andrew had made the unusual choice to name Cowell as a co-respondent in the divorce papers he filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court two weeks ago, citing adultery as the reason for ending the marriage. 
 
 Scroll down for video 
 
 'Freaked out': Simon Cowell, seen here outside the X Factor USA studios in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, is said to be 'very stressed' following married lover Lauren Silverman's revelation that she is expecting his baby Keeping his head down: Cowell looked stony-faced as he left the studios, and refused to comment on the news 
 
 Noted divorce lawyer Vanessa Lloyd Platt told MailOnline of Andrew's decision: 'It's a very unusual thing to name him. And considering they are all supposed to be friends it's a very unusual step to take. 
 
 'Andrew would have not only had to name him, but Simon would also have had to be served with the papers. It's all going to very muddy, muddled and an absolute nightmare for Simon.' 
 
 However, Vanessa said that she thinks reports that Cowell could be called to the witness stand to reveal details of the alleged affair is unlikely. 
 
 But it does seem more likely that he will have to reveal details of his personal wealth, estimated to be in the region of $350million. 
 
 Vanessa added: 'It could be that in the fight between Lauren and Andrew, the financial circumstances debate would have to bring in Simon. 
 
 
 
 'Andrew's team are likely to be saying that when you look at Lauren's needs, you have to take into account that Simon will be looking after her.' 
 
 Cowell has so far maintained a stony silence on Twitter, with his last unrelated post coming on 30th July. 
 
 However, in an interview in 2009, Cowell said: 'God, no. I couldn't have children. If I had them here drawing on the walls I'd go nuts. 
 
 'With kids, you've got a routine you can't escape from. You've got to be up at a certain time. Got to listen. When all you want to do is sit in a corner thinking.' 
 
 In a more recent interview in April this year, Cowell appeared to have somewhat changed his mind, saying: ' I haven’t ruled it out. If I knew I could be - how do I put this delicately - faithful, I would. 
 
 'I do like kids, I’m just not sure I’d be any good for the first six months. I don’t think I’d adopt because I’d rather have my own. I’d have to say I’d like a little girl.' 
 
 On Wednesday night, Lauren’s stepmother confirmed the baby news, calling it ‘beautiful’ and a ‘blessing’. 
 
 Rosy Davis, who is the wife of Mrs Silverman’s father Steven, said: ‘We are all excited for the baby. It’s beautiful. We feel blessed. Any kid is a blessing.’ 
 
 
 
 However, Lauren's sister-in-law, also named Lauren, who works in real estate in New York told MailOnline: 'I have read the gossip. I have no knowledge whatsoever. I don’t know anything about it.' 
 
 Holiday: Cowell was regularly joined on breaks by Lauren and her husband Andrew - seen here with the mogul in St Barts in January 2012 Bonded: The trio looked very cosy as they lay together on the deck of the boat during the 2012 break Meanwhile, Cowell's mother, Julie, 87, seemed thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandmother, telling The Sun: 'I've not heard anything officially. But if it's true then I'm absolutely delighted. It's wonderful! He'll make a fantastic father. He'll be great.' 
 
 It is as yet unclear whether or not Cowell and Lauren will attempt to make their relationship work for the sake of their unborn child. 
 
 Expecting: Lauren is thought to be 10 weeks into the pregnancy, meaning the baby is due around Valentine's Day next year 
 
 While some sources say he and Lauren are a couple, others say he is preparing for a legal battle over his £225million fortune - a huge chunk of which could go on child maintenance. 
 
 Cowell and Lauren are believed to have met while on vacation in Barbados some years ago through her real estate husband Andrew. 
 
 Biographer Tom Bower witnessed the beginnings of Cowell and Lauren's close friendship a year-and-a-half ago, when he spent time on a yacht called the Slipstream, which the mogul had chartered for £2 million a month. 
 
 In his biography, Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell , Bower noted that there were a number of high-octane glamour women who were competing for Cowell’s attention, but that Lauren was ‘his closest confidante’. 
 
 He described him as ‘occasionally, an insecure, lonely man whose greatest comfort was lying on a couch between Lauren Silverman and [his TV producer] Kelly Bergantz, watching a film and grazing on simple food suitable for kids in a nursery’. 
 
 Bower also details in the book Lauren's shock when Cowell initially told her about his engagement to Mezhgan Hussainy in February 2010. 
 
 According to Bower, Lauren, who he calls Cowell's 'best friend in New York' was 'completely flabbergasted' by the news, telling Andrew as she finished her phone call with the mogul: 'The whole thing is wrong.' 
 
 Andrew now believes Lauren started getting close to Simon during one of the many vacations they all shared together. 
 
 Lauren and her husband, who have a seven-year-old son called Adam, are now officially separated. 
 
 It is not known whether Mr Silverman filed the legal papers after learning of his wife’s pregnancy with Simon Cowell, although their break-up does leave his estranged wife free to start a new life with Cowell. 
 
 
 
 The pair, seen here in July 2012, are parents to seven-year-old son Adam but have now officially separated 
 
 He is being represented by Manhattan family lawyers Cohen Goldstein and filed his affidavit on July 24. 
 
 Meanwhile, stars have been taking to Twitter to offer their congratulations, with Simon's close friend and ex-girlfriend Sinitta one of the first to, somewhat cryptically, comment on the announcement. 
 
 Taking to her Twitter page two days before news of the music mogul's impending fatherhood broke to the world, the 49-year-old singer appeared to suggest the situation was 'half miracle, half nightmare'. 
 
 Although Sinitta didn't directly reference Lauren's pregnancy in her tweet, the timely posting seemed to allude to the 53-year-old multimillionaire's parenthood. 
 
 
 
 Writing on July 29, she said: 'Something has just happened ..half miracle, half nightmare! #WakeMeUpIWantToGetOff!!' 
 
 Crisis mode: Cowell is said to have employed New York lawyer Marty Singer to help him deal with the 'crisis' 
 
 However, one person quick to voice his excitement was the star's Britain's Got Talent co-judge, comedian David Walliams, who appeared to confirm the news via a jokey post on his Twitter page. 
 
 David - who recently welcomed his first child with model wife Lara Stone - wrote: 'Oh yeah, and @SimonCowell is doing a baby with a lady. 
 
 
 
 'For the record @SimonCowell and I tried to have a baby together for many years. But I just couldn't get pregnant.' 
 
 David's fellow Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden also offered her congratulations, referring to the fact that co-judge Alesha Dixon is also expecting. 
 
 Holiday buddies: Cowell and Lauren (left) on holiday together with friends back in 2010 
 
 On board: Cowell, Lauren and Andrew with Sinitta in 2011 
 
 Lauren told friends a few weeks ago that she wanted to marry the X Factor judge. Here they are pictured on their 2012 holiday 
 
 Cowell and ex fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy with Lauren (white hat) and her husband Andrew on the music mogul's yacht in St Barts in January, when Cowell and Lauren are believed to have been together 
 
 She tweeted: 'I am still here! Just enjoying a family break!! So! All Four Judges with potentially 4 kids under 2 for BGT 2014!!' 
 
 
 
 And Carmen Electra, who was linked to Cowell late last year and in early 2013, said she was 'so happy' for her former beau as she spoke to reporters at the VH1 Do Something Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday night. 
 
 
 
 She told E! News: 'What I witnessed working with him on Britain's Got Talent and coming to see him during X Factor is that the people he truly believes in, he stands up for them and supports them. So I obviously think that his child will be very well taken care and very, very loved. 
 

– More evidence that Simon Cowell really is expecting a love child with a (presumably former) friend's wife? In divorce papers filed two weeks ago, Andrew Silverman names Cowell as a co-respondent and says the divorce from wife Lauren is based on adultery, the New York Post reports. What exactly does that mean? "It’s really a signal to the spouse who cheated that the wronged spouse is very angry and that it’s going to be a very nasty, scorched-earth, high-profile litigation," says a divorce attorney. Another top attorney agrees that the move is "very nasty," so expect this story to drag on for a while yet. Lauren "is a total gold digger," one friend tells the Post; another adds that her pregnancy by Cowell "was by design." Contrary to initial reports, she was not estranged from her husband when she started seeing Cowell, friends say; in fact, Andrew had just upgraded her engagement ring with a 10-karat diamond. All the dirty details could end up being aired on the witness stand, as Cowell might be forced to testify. Sources tell the Daily Mail he's hired top LA attorney Marty Singer, and in case you were wondering about his mental state regarding impending fatherhood, he's reportedly "freaked out." Unless you trust the Post's sources more, in which case he's "thrilled."