A hospitalised Simon Cowell has thanked nurses and doctors after undergoing six hours of surgery following a fall from a bike in which he broke part of his back in several places.
The X Factor supremo fell from a new electric bike he was testing at his house in Malibu, California.
The 60-year-old was taken to hospital where he had an operation on Saturday night, which involved a number of procedures including having a metal rod put in his back.
He tweeted: "Some good advice . . . If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages".
A second message read: "And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone Simon".
Cowell is recovering in hospital and it is understood that he will continue to do so for the next few days.
Some good advice...
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) August 10, 2020
If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.
I have broken part of my back.
Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.
A source said that while it is a bad injury, doctors said he had been very lucky.
The entertainment boss has a six-year-old son, Eric, with his partner Lauren Silverman - and it is understood Eric was with his father at the time.
A spokeswoman for Cowell said: "Simon has broken his back in a number of places in a fall from his bike whilst testing a new electric bike in the courtyard of his home in Malibu with his family."
She said he was taken to hospital, where he was operated on overnight, adding: "He's under observation and is doing fine."
Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden was among the people posting messages for Cowell on social media.
Alongside a picture of the pair together on Instagram, she wrote: "I've been thinking about my dear friend all day and luckily I'm able to say (with blessing) that he's had his operation and he's doing really well ????
Chris Lexi Hollie and me wish you a speedy recovery and send you, Lauren and Eric all our love ??".
I've been thinking about my dear friend all day and luckily I’m able to write that he’s had his operation and he’s doing really well 🙏🏼 My family and I wish you a speedy recovery and send you, Lauren and Eric all our love ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NAvUriuQRL
— Amanda Holden (@AmandaHolden) August 9, 2020
