SIMON'S SECRET LOVE CHILD (8.05.02)

BLUE star SIMON WEBBE today stuns his millions of female fans by admitting he has a secret daughter aged five. The chart-topping boy band singer rang me last night to confess that he had fathered his daughter when he was just 17 with ex-love Nichola Jones. Simon has never spoken publicly about being a dad. He has only seen his daughter, who I will not name to protect her identity, a handful of times. In an emotional interview Simon said: It has caused me a lot of heartache. Every day I think of her when I see little children running around. It brings it all back. Not a day goes by when I dont think of her. Ive seen her a few times. She knows Im in Blue and she loves my music and likes dancing to it. We meet in town go to the park and McDonalds and do daddy things. She seems happy and polite. She is everything Ive ever really dreamed about. Simon and Nichola met in Birmingham when the former footballer was playing for Port Vale. His little girl was born in 1996 at Birminghams Heartlands Hospital. Simon is not named on the birth certificate though he saw his new baby in hospital. He told me: I said I would stand by Nichola when she fell pregnant but it didnt work out. Housewife Nichola has since set up home with another man, Terry, and has a son with him. Simon rang me from Canada where the band are on tour and explained: Ive seen my daughter about eight or nine times. Nichola called a couple of weeks ago and said that when I got back from Canada she wanted to talk about me seeing more of our girl. I am really excited. I want to play a more active role and if she and Terry decide thats the right thing thats great. Her mum is in charge and I respect that. We have a civil relationship were connected for life whether we like it or not. Simon says he has offered to contribute to his girls upkeep but has been turned down. He said: Ive been saving money for her and have put together a nest egg for her education. I want the best for her. Shes my little girl and I want to do the right thing. But Nichola is a very proud mother and she has a very proud boyfriend and she has never asked me for money. I dont think my little girl could have a better home. To the fans, Im grateful for all their support and I hope this doesnt make a difference to them. Ive got a beautiful little girl who Im proud of.