Simon Cowell ‘gains weight and takes break from his vegan diet to help recover from back surgery’

Simon Cowell has reportedly gained weight and taken a break from his vegan diet to help recover from surgery on his broken back.

According to his close friend Sinitta, the music mogul, 61, who had shed 60 pounds after changing his lifestyle last year, has returned to eating calcium and has upped his protein intake in a bid to ‘rebuild his strength’.

The TV star has been forced to take a break from his work commitments following his terrifying electric bike accident in August.

Singer Sinitta told The Sun: ‘I spoke to him last week and he sounded so much better.

‘He wasn’t dazed, sedated or weak. He was really bright, happy and clear. He’s gained a bit of weight and is looking healthier. He said he had to start eating protein, calcium and break his vegan diet to rebuild his strength.

‘That’s the wisest thing. He was bloated and stressed, then he was too thin and exhausted. Now he is fit and relaxed. He’s found his sweet spot. He sounds relieved and exhilarated. The sea air is so healing and rejuvenating.’

MailOnline has contacted Simon’s representatives for further comment. 

The media personality has spoken about his decision to embark on a vegan diet in the past, telling Ellen DeGeneres last year: ‘I went to see this doctor in London. 

‘We did some tests. And then a month later he said, “You have the worst diet I’ve ever met from any patient.”

‘It’s like the Eric diet because he actually, apart from ice cream, he actually likes water. I mean, who likes water? And his raw vegetables. So I’m on like, the Eric Cowell diet.’ 

The businessman added to Extra: ‘I went to see this guy who’s very well-known. 

‘And he said to me, after doing some blood work, “You can’t have red meat, dairy, sugar, bread or gluten.” 

‘I’m thinking, “What about alcohol?” And he said, “Maybe not quite as much as you had before.” And I did it and I stuck to it and it’s easy.’

Simon was rushed to hospital at the beginning of August when he fell from his electric bike whilst taking it for a test drive at his house in Malibu. 

Despite his happy and healthy look, the TV star could be ‘out of action’ for up to six months due to his injury.

A source told MailOnline: ‘Simon was advised not to fly back to the final by doctors. 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.’