He dramatically missed the X Factor live shows last weekend after falling down the stairs in his London mansion and suffering a concussion.
But Simon Cowell dispelled any speculation as to whether he’ll be absent from this weekend’s shows too, as he was pictured reprising his judging role on Friday.
The music mogul, 58, sported a faded bruise on his neck as he gave his category, the Groups, some words of advice during rehearsals.
Fighting fit: Simon Cowell dispelled any speculation as to whether he’ll be absent from this weekend’s shows too, as he was pictured reprising his judging role on Thursday
The father-of-one looked back on form as he chatted intently to his acts Rak-Su and Irish brothers Sean and Connor.
Cowell was no doubt keen to avoid another repeat of last Saturday, where Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger were forced to go ahead without him.
Meanwhile on Sunday, Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon was ushered in as a replacement mentor.
The last-minute manoeuvres came after Simon fell down the stairs and got a concussion – sparking ‘panic’ among contestants.
Back to work: The music mogul, 58, looked fighting fit as he gave his category the Groups some words of advice during rehearsals
Tough times: He dramatically missed the X Factor live shows last weekend after falling down the stairs in his London mansion and suffering a concussion
The star was stretchered out of his London mansion to hospital in a neck brace after the accident while going to get a cup of hot milk to help him fall asleep.
He looked dazed as he arrived home that afternoon, looking slightly dishevelled in tracksuit bottoms and trainers.
Speaking at his front door he said: ‘I fainted and fell down the stairs. I’ve got a bit of concussion. I feel better now.’ He also thanked fans for their ‘concern’.
And it seems after the drama subsided, the music boss was keen to overhaul his exercise regime.
Chaos: Simon’s accident left him unable to take part in last week’s live shows
He is said to be launching into a fitness kick and is reportedly splashing out on seven electric bicycles at a cost of almost £60,000 so he can cycle to and from work.
Simon underwent a series of blood tests after passing out and tripping at home last Friday and as a result is keen to get fit whilst doctors examine the cause of his fainting.
Known to be a bit of a petrol head – with a fleet of cars including a Bentley, Rolls, Bugatti Veyron and an Aston Martin DB9 – Simon’s latest investment is a little more environmentally friendly.
Whilst the four mile round trip to work is hardly arduous – especially given the bike is electronically powered – the X Factor mogul believes he has already seen an improvement in his fitness.
Simon has been out of action all week and reportedly convalescing out of London.
The (deto)X Factor: He is said to be launching into a fitness kick and is reportedly splashing out on seven electric bicycles at a cost of almost £60,000 so he can cycle to and from work
He was spotted at his home in the Capital on Thursday with his wife Lauren Silverman, wearing his trademark jumper/jeans combo.
Lauren, 40, was in a matching ensemble, but threw a warm winter coat over her shoulders, bidding farewell to the couple’s pet dogs before heading away from the property.
Of his new cycling habits, Simon – who shares three-year-old son Eric with Lauren – told the Mail: ‘I’ve been told to exercise more Cycling’s quite boring so I decided to buy an electric bike and they’re literally addictive.
Double trouble: In the Groups, Sean and Conor Price will sing Cheap Thrills by Sia
Throwing some shapes: Raksu will perform their original track Dimelo
‘So I’ve bought three in America, and four in England, and now cycle to work every day. You do still have to pedal them – my legs have definitely got stronger – but they’re just a bit easier.
‘They’re going to be huge these things because you can’t really drive a car in London now.’
E bikes, which have seen a 240% surge in sales over the past two years, are battery-assisted push bikes which can travel at speeds of up to 30 mph on the flat.
Frontrunners: Joining them will be siblings The Cutkelvins with Reggaetón Lento by CNCO and Little Mix
Simon’s return to the show will no doubt bring with it a host of eye-catching performances in week two – the theme of which is ‘Viva Latino’.
Of the Girls category, Grace Davies will sing Ciao Adios by Anne-Marie, Alisah Bonaobra will show off her vocals to J-LO’s Let’s Get Loud, Holly Tandy will take on Justin Bieber’s Despacito and Rai-Elle Williams will go for Bailando by Sean Paul.
In the Groups, Raksu will perform their original track Dimelo and Sean and Conor Price will sing Cheap Thrills by Sia.
Bust a move: Judge Nicole was clearly feeling the rhythms as she had a cheeky dance around the stage
Smooth crooner: Of the Overs singers, plasterer Matt Linnen will take on Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca
Joining them will be siblings The Cutkelvins with Reggaetón Lento by CNCO and Little Mix, while Oxford graduates Jack & Joel will go for Havana / Hasta El Amanecer by Camila Cabello.
In the Boys category, Lloyd Macey will sing Hero by Enrique Iglesias, Leon Mallet will tackle Get Lucky by Pharrell Williams and Daft Punk and Sam Black will groove out to Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba.
Of the Overs singers, French crooner Kevin Davy White will sing Santana’s Smooth, Matt Linnen will take on Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca and Tracyleanne Jefford will perform to Ain’t Your Mama by Jennifer Lopez.
Exciting: Sam Black will groove out to Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba