Simon Cowell fans and well-wishers were saddened when the host failed to appear virtually for the finales of both America's Got Talent (Sept. 23) and now Britain's Got Talent (Oct. 10).

These absences have been accompanied by a new report in The Sun that says he could be "out of action" for up to six months as he recovers from surgery after breaking his back in a bike crash in August. He was also reportedly "too unwell" to record a video message for the BGT finale. This appears to conflict with earlier reports that Cowell has been "on his feet" and recovering "tremendously."

Simon Cowell health and recovery updates

Despite the gloomy rumours in The Sun, Cowell's BGT co-host Amanda Holden said earlier this week: "He's doing really well! I keep in touch with [his wife] Lauren every week, and it was his birthday [on Oct. 7] — he turned 61 — and he's just doing well. She just keeps saying it's his will and his determination to get himself better."

Moreover, on Oct. 11, ET published new sources who reject the bedridden report. Cowell is "recovering well and ahead of what was expected," the sources told the outlet. "He's doing over 10,000 steps a day as well as swimming to get his back strong and healed again. He no longer needs to wear a back brace all the time."

Simon Cowell a no-show on AGT and BGT 2020 finales

It's now been just over two months since Cowell's accident—which required an extensive six-hour surgery. Since then, he missed the AGT finale on Sept. 23, writing on Twitter: "Good luck to all the contestants and thank you all for tuning in. I wish I was there." However, he was silent on social media as BGT crowned Jon Courtenay the winner of the 2020 competition on Oct. 10.

Cowell's first statement after the crash had read: "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."

We wish Simon well in his recovery and hope to see him back to his hosting gigs when he's fit to do so.

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