Simon Cowell’s close friend Sinitta has revealed that the music and TV mogul is bouncing back impressively, after breaking his back in a bike accident in August.
Sinitta, 52, who once dated the Britain’s Got Talent judge, has disclosed that the 61-year-old is now walking a gruelling five miles a day amid his continued recovery.
She told The Sun: ‘Simon has worked hard at his recovery and told me he’s walking 10,000 steps a day that’s around five miles – way more than he was before the accident. He’s got one of those watches that measures every step.’
Fitness: Simon Cowell’s friend Sinitta has revealed that the music and TV mogul is bouncing back impressively, after breaking his back in a bike accident in August. Pictured in January
While he boosts his recovery efforts through help from doctors, Sinitts says Simon has upped the ante on his fitness efforts, cut down on cigarettes, and enjoyed support from partner Lauren Silverman, with whom he shares six-year-old son Eric.
She continued: ‘He’s still having a lot of physiotherapy, seeing great doctors and doing non weight bearing pool work especially for spinal injuries. Simon has really looked after himself. Lauren and his team have taken great care of him and he’s being sensible.’
After the accident at his Malibu home, Simon was forced to cancel appearances on BGT and take a break from his demanding work schedule for the remainder of the year – which Sinitta says has helped him focus on his health and loved ones.
Painful: Simon broke his back in August after falling from his electric bike, prompting him to undergo a six-hour surgery to try and fix the injuries
She told The Sun: ‘Taking time off from his TV commitments has helped him 100 per cent to put his health first… He’s very successful already so if you have a young child and family putting your health at risk for a TV show is not worth it. There is nothing to compare. Simon puts Lauren and Eric first.’
Simon is currently enjoying his usual break in Barbados with his family, and on Friday he was seen looking fit and upbeat as he went for a jet ski ride.
The music mogul looked carefree as he stood up on the boat to speed around the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean island with his son.
In August, Simon was rushed to hospital to undergo six hours of surgery after breaking his back in an electric bike accident, forcing him to cancel all his planned TV work for the rest of the year.
It comes after sources recently claimed that Simon was considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back.
Healthy: Sinitta, who is joining Simon and his family for a Christmas break in Barbados, has revealed that he has been walking five miles a day and cutting down in cigarettes
The TV mogul and his team are said to be ‘weighing up’ legal options and have been ‘pressing’ the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain.
One lawyer claimed that a successful lawsuit could see Simon get up to £10million for medical bills and loss of earnings, The Sun reported.
Recently, a whistleblower from the manufacturers reportedly claimed the £20,000 electric bike an ‘accident waiting to happen’ due to Simon’s lack of training.
He told the publication: ‘It should never have been sold to Simon without him being taught how to use it.’
The former employee claimed the Swind EB-01 bike, which can reach up to 60mph and is banned on public roads in the UK, should not be used without specialist training.
Love: Simon has also been getting support from his partner Lauren Silveman. Pictured in 2015
The source continued: ‘I said to my boss, ‘Are you showing Simon how to use this?’ He said he was just dropping it off and I said, ‘Are you serious?”’
The X Factor boss’ team are studying the claims made by the former employee and are ‘pressing the manufacturers’ about the safety of the bike.
A spokesperson for Simon told MailOnline: ‘Simon is understandably extremely concerned for other peoples’ safety in relation to this bike.
‘We have been pressing the manufacturers about this and will continue to press them, including in relation to the claims of the former member of staff.’
A spokesperson for Manufacturers Swindon Powertrain told MailOnline: ‘With any device, it is important to read the user manual before attempting to operate, acknowledged by Mr Cowell himself.
Scary: The music boss is thought to have been ‘surprised by the power’ of the bike and knew immediately that he ‘was in trouble’ when he started it
‘The EB-01 user manual includes a detailed process of how to familiarise oneself with the performance features and procedures to follow.’
They added that they are ‘in contact with Mr Cowell’s aides to progress this’, noting, ‘the company has acted in good faith at all times.’
Simon broke his back in August after falling from his electric bike, leaving him forced to undergo a six-hour surgery to try and fix the injuries.
The accident occurred when the powerful machine ‘flew up in the air and did an accidental wheelie’ after he tried to change gears.
The music boss is thought to have been ‘surprised by the power’ of the bike and knew immediately that he ‘was in trouble’.
On the mend: Simon’s recent injuries and ongoing recovery saw him sit out of the resumed 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent after it returned following England’s first lockdown
Following the accident, Simon tweeted: ‘Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.’
He went on: ‘I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.’
He then added in a second tweet: ‘And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone Simon.’
His recent injuries and ongoing recovery saw him sit out of the resumed 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent after it returned following England’s first lockdown.
But this month, Simon’s BGT colleague Amanda Holden confirmed he’d be back to work filming the new series in January, telling the Loose Women panel: ‘He is, Mr Cowell is coming back.
‘I spoke to him on the phone a few weeks ago and he feels on top of the world and apparently he looks fantastic as well. So he’ll be back for the new season which we’re filming in January. I can’t wait for it.’
Recovery: A source told MailOnline, ‘He is walking a lot and swimming and feeling great – but focusing on being on top form for the start of filming for Britain’s Got Talent 2021 in January’