Simon Cowell gutted after pulling out of filming for BGT

Mr Cowell, 66, broke his back in an electric bike accident in 2020 and has since undergone several operations, including a recent “routine” procedure last month.

While he rests, a guest judge will join Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI for the Blackpool auditions.

Simon Cowell “gutted” to be missing filming for Britain’s Got Talent

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Simon is of course gutted to be missing the auditions, but it’s important that he rests up now so he can make a full recovery.

“It was a routine op that went well and he knows the team will find a fun guest judge to spice up filming and keep the audience on their toes.

“The current thinking is that producers will choose a male comedian to stand in for now, but decisions are being made currently.

“It’s quite last-minute, so a lot of talent is already booked up for that period.”

Production company Fremantle is expected to postpone around half of the six-day filming schedule until January to allow Mr Cowell to return as head judge.

The media mogul has spoken openly about how the accident changed his perspective on life and health.

He told The Sun newspaper: “I was so close to living the rest of my life in a wheelchair, it gives you a completely different outlook on life.”

Despite the pain, Mr Cowell described the accident as a turning point.

He said: “If I had to go through this all over again I actually would do it, because I think breaking my back was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

“I didn’t know really how unfit I was until I had to start doing all the exercises.

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“But I feel better today than I did three years ago when it happened.”

Since the accident, Mr Cowell has lost three stone through changes to his diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Who would you like to see stand in for Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent? Let us know in the comments.