Simon Cowell is in the running for a Celebrity Dad of the Year prize - despite his admission that he refuses to change nappies.

The media mogul - once dubbed TV's Mr Nasty - welcomed son Eric with girlfriend Lauren Silverman in February and has admitted he is loving fatherhood.

Cowell has been shortlisted for Marvel Celebrity Dad of the Year. He will battle it out for the title against a host of all-action fathers including last year's winner, Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah.

The X Factor judge has spoken proudly about how he is a changed man since becoming a father, and feels more happy and relaxed. But he has said he is "100% absolutely not" changing any nappies.

Also on the shortlist are Good Morning Britain host and father-of-two Ben Shephard, comedian John Bishop and McFly's Tom Fletcher, 28, who became a father to son Buzz Michelangelo in March.

They have been selected by public vote along with TV chef Jamie Oliver - who has four children and is known for his campaign to provide healthy food for school pupils - Olympic rower James Cracknell, and his TV presenter friend Ben Fogle, who together have taken part in several testing expeditions for charity.

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins and Paralympic athlete David Weir are also in the running for the 2014 title.

Peter Andre, who has been crowned Celebrity Dad of the Year twice, has not made the shortlist. Neither has Gary Barlow who took the title in 2012.

Public voting has begun on the Marvel Facebook page and continues until June 4.