Television personality Simon Cowell has taken a temporary leave from America’s Got Talent due to routine back surgery, with comedian Kenan Thompson stepping in as a replacement during his recovery period.
The 66-year-old judge, who resides in Oxfordshire, has faced multiple surgical procedures over the past few years following a serious incident involving an electric bicycle that resulted in a broken back.
Fellow panel member Howie Mandel, 70 years old, provided an update to E!
News on September 3 following the operation.
According to Mandel, the procedure went well and Cowell’s condition is stable.
Mandel expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with his colleague and extending his good wishes upon recovery.
Thompson assumed Cowell’s duties for this week’s episode of the programme, with Heidi Klum scheduled to cover next week’s instalment, as reported by the Independent.
The entertainment mogul was forced to sit out Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 due to his injuries, with former Diversity champion Ashley Banjo taking his place on that judging panel.
During an interview with OK!
magazine in 2022, Cowell reflected on his survival, describing himself as fortunate to have survived the accident.
Cowell began serving on the American talent competition’s judging panel when the programme entered its 11th season in 2016.
His reputation as an influential discoverer of musical acts was cemented through his role in assembling the globally successful boy band One Direction.
The media figure maintains a property in the Cotswolds region, where he frequently retreats from his broadcasting work.