Nick Lachey is desperate to have a baby, or so he says in the latest issue of "Teen People" magazine, which features the first one-on-one interview with Lachey since his split from Jessica Simpson.

The heartthrob singer admits he's started thinking about having children, despite his recent split from his wife of three years, blonde Jessica Simpson. The 32-year-old revealed: "Obviously, it's not the right time for me to be a father. But the one thing I haven't had a chance to do is be a great dad."

Nick says he loves spending time with his pals' children since developing paternal feelings. He told America's Teen People magazine: "Playing with my friends' kids and having them call me Uncle Nick - that's life."

The hunky star, who achieved worldwide fame starring in his and Jessica's reality TV show "Newlyweds", has also revealed he is happy being single again. "Don't feel sorry for me. I have a great life," the TV star said.

Lachey is also house-hunting around Los Angeles's Mulholland Drive, as his ex-wife already bought a new home in Beverly Hills in December, after the split.