Simon Cowell is reportedly returning to Britain’s Got Talent in January following his shocking back injury in the summer.
The TV mogul, 61, was forced to step down from the talent show, and its American counterpart, after undergoing surgery on his broken back following a terrifying electric bike accident in August.
But after months recovering at his LA home, Simon has given producers a guarantee of his comeback and is apparently ‘raring to go’.
Comeback? Simon Cowell is reportedly returning to Britain’s Got Talent in January following his shocking back injury in the summer
A source told The Sun: ‘Simon was gutted at having to sit out the show this year. But he’s been totally focused on getting better and will definitely be back on the panel.’
They continued: ‘He’s come on in leaps and bounds recently, thanks to letting his body heal, a healthy diet and some California sun. He’s also enjoyed being surrounded by his family. But he loves his job and is raring to go, especially as BGT offers so much joy and light entertainment in dark times.
‘The panel are all really excited to have him back, though they thought Ashley did a great job and he’ll definitely perform on the show again next year with Diversity.’
MailOnline have contacted representatives of Britain’s Got Talent and Simon for comment.
He’s ready: After months recovering at his LA home, Simon has given producers a guarantee of his comeback and is apparently ‘raring to go’ (pictured with BGT judges David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon)
Simon was replaced on the BGT live shows by Diversity star Ashley Banjo, 32, while Amanda Holden, 49, was promoted to head judge.
While various guest stars filled in for him on America’s Got Talent, including Kelly Clarkson, 38.
Meanwhile, Simon was recently spotted in public for the first time since being rushed to hospital with his back injury.
The music mogul looked happy and healthy as he emerged with partner Lauren Silverman, 43, and Eric, six, during a grocery run in Los Angeles.
Injured: The TV mogul, 61, was forced to step down from the talent show, and its American counterpart, after undergoing surgery on his broken back following a terrifying electric bike accident in August
In contrast to reports that Simon is heading back to work in the New Year, The Sun previously reported 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.’
Another source explained: ‘He is building up his strength but the recovery is taking longer than we hoped. It was a very serious injury and they didn’t fully appreciate that at first.
‘There was initial euphoria that he was all right, when he felt that he had come through it by a miracle. Then came the pain.
Big return: ‘Simon was gutted at having to sit out the show this year. But he’s been totally focused on getting better and will definitely be back on the panel’
Great job: ‘He’s come on in leaps and bounds recently, thanks to letting his body heal, a healthy diet and some California sun. He’s also enjoyed being surrounded by his family’
‘He had about six weeks of agony. By early September, it was obvious that he wasn’t going to be ready to physically travel at all for work. He was on high-strength painkillers but he isn’t any more. He also doesn’t have a live-in nurse any more.
‘Progress has been made since and he had a three-hour meeting via his iPad this week. He could not have managed that six weeks ago. He is building up his strength.’
Despite the alleged complications, the music executive appears to be keeping his spirits up with pal Sinitta, 51, giving an update on his progress at the end of September.
Speaking to Entertainment Daily, the musician said: ‘It was a serious accident. So for people who love him, like me, it was very, very scary.
Can’t wait: ‘He loves his job and is raring to go, especially as BGT offers so much joy and light entertainment in dark times’
‘He’s taken some steps, so he has reassured himself that he’s not paralysed. But he’s got to take his time and get well.’
The former singer also recently told how Simon had gained weight and taken a break from his vegan diet to help recover from surgery on his broken back.
Sinitta claimed Simon. 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’.
Out and about: Meanwhile, Simon was recently spotted in public for the first time since being rushed to hospital with his back injury
She 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.’
Getting better: Despite his excruciating injury, it appears that the Britain’s Got Talent judge is well on the mend as singer Sinitta, 51, gave an update on his progress