SIMON Cowell is in “good spirits” after undergoing a six-hour operation on his broken back – and still hopes to join the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel via video link for the live shows.
The 60-year-old mogul’s BGT co-star, Alesha Dixon, has spoken out after talking to Simon’s girlfriend Lauren Silverman following his hospital dash.
The 41-year-old star admitted that everyone has been concerned about Simon after he fell off his electric bike at the weekend – almost being left paralysed by the accident.
Alesha explained: “I’ve spoken to Lauren, she’s been keeping me updated.
“The last time I spoke to her, which was two days ago, she said he was in good spirits, so that was music to our ears.”
The beauty continued to Metro: “Obviously we’ve all been really concerned about him, and we’ve all got our fingers crossed that he’s going to be joining us via a live link for the show.
“That’s what the original plan was, because the Britain’s Got Talent dates clashed with America’s Got Talent, and now due to the accident, we don’t know what his recovery time will be.
“We’re just waiting to find, out but that would be the best case scenario; if we can have him on a live link.”
She added: “We love him and we need him there, and we will miss him terribly if he’s not. But, the last I heard he was doing well.”
Alesha’s comments come after Simon’s America’s Got Talent co-star Howie Mandel revealed that Simon is already up and about after undergoing the gruelling operation.
He told E! News: “We were a little bit in disarray because we were worried. We were worried about our friend, and our boss, and our leader, Simon Cowell, who we hear is doing spectacularly well, considering.
“The latest I’ve heard is that after a six hour operation, and some fused discs, and the rod put in his back, yesterday, he was up on his feet, already, he’s already mobile!
“So, as I’ve been saying to a few other people, I wouldn’t count out seeing Simon again before this season’s end.”
Simon broke three vertebrae, missing his spinal cord by a centimetre, in the horrendous fall.
He had been trying out a powerful electric bike at his and Lauren’s Los Angeles home when he accidentally pulled a wheelie.
Simon fell backwards and smashed down on to a concrete floor in front of his horrified son Eric, six, and Lauren’s teenage son Adam from a previous relationship.
The star was rushed to Providence Saint John’s hospital in Santa Monica, a short drive from his £18million beachside property in Malibu, where he underwent his surgery.
He later confessed to fans that he had not read the instruction manual before trying out his new toy.
Breaking his silence, Simon tweeted: “Some good advice…
“If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.
“I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages..”
He added: “And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone.”
