Simon Cowell pulls out of BGT filming as he continues recovery from back op and show lines up comedian as replacement

SIMON Cowell has pulled out of filming for Britain’s Got Talent next month as he recovers from back surgery. The media mogul, 66, will be replaced by a guest judge alongside fellow panellists Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI for the Blackpool auditions. Simon Cowell will will be replaced by a guest judge alongside fellow panellists for the first BGT auditions of the new series The music mogul requires extra time to recover after undergoing back surgery Credit: The Mega Agency Production company Fremantle is planning on moving around half of the six filming days at the seaside resort’s Winter Gardens to January, so Simon can still contribute as head judge. Insiders say bosses are looking at a male comedian as a replacement. The series is due to air on ITV in Spring 2027. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! It comes after Simon earlier this month withdrew from America’s Got Talent filming in LA, where the surgery took place. A source said: “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. READ MORE ON SIMON COWELL “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.” Simon has had a series of operations in recent years after breaking his back in an electric bike accident in 2020 — requiring six hours of surgery. Most read in TV Production company Fremantle are optimistic that Simon can return as a head judge next year Credit: ITV Simon has had a series of operations in recent years after breaking his back in an electric bike accident Credit: Getty His injuries stopped him from appearing in that year’s BGT, when he was replaced by former winner Ashley Banjo. In 2022, he said he was lucky to survive the bike crash ordeal, commenting: “I didn’t talk about it too much at the time. I kept a lot back. It was a lot worse than people thought. I had a lot of long-term nerve damage as well. “If there was one good thing about lockdown, it was that it gave me the time to heal because I wasn’t working on a TV show. I was able to walk a lot and strengthen my legs.” Last year, Stacey Solomon stepped in as a guest judge after Simon was forced to miss filming for auditions due to a fall. Talking about her appearance, Simon said: “I love Stacey. She’s been a great friend over the years. I remember her first audition on X Factor. “I’ve seen what she’s done with her career and I’m really happy for her. She’s just a really nice person.” Fremantle did not comment. Comment now