Simon Cowell undergoes "six-hour" back operation after eBike accident
The Britain's Got Talent showrunner had a metal rod inserted in his back during the surgery.
Britain's Got Talent supremo Simon Cowell has reportedly undergone a complicated six-hour surgery after breaking his back in a number of places following a fall from an eBike at his home in Malibu, west Los Angeles.
US morning chat show Today said a spokesperson for Cowell confirmed the operation and said it involved numerous procedures and fusions, including inserting a metal rod in his back.
Cowell was recovering from the operation in hospital and would be for a few days.
His spokesperson told Today on Saturday: "Simon had a fall from his bike on Saturday afternoon whilst testing his new electric bike in the courtyard at his house in Malibu with his family."
"He hurt his back and was taken to the hospital. He's doing fine, he's under observation and is in the best possible hands," his publicist said before the operation on Saturday evening.
He was apparently at home with his six-year-old son, Eric, and partner Lauren Silverman when the accident occurred.
Cowell has been quarantining at his Malibu home during the COVID-19 pandemic and was preparing to start filming on the America's Got Talent live auditions.
EW reported that Cowell had reunited with his America's Got Talent judges Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel in late June for an episode in which they viewed contestant performances via video conferencing.
The live recordings of the NBC show would leave Cowell's chair empty during his absence, the duration of which is not currently known.
The accident further complicates his upcoming appearances on Britain's Got Talent. RadioTimes.com reported last week that he was due to take part in the delayed Britain's Got Talent semi-finals this autumn via video link because the recording of the shows clashed with his commitments to America's Got Talent as well as concerns over ongoing travel restrictions between the UK and the US.
By the time of the Britain's Got Talent final, it was hoped he would be able to fly back to film in person, but that commitment may be in doubt.
If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
