Simon Cowell will miss the first X Factor live show, after he fell down the stairs at his home in London.
Early yesterday morning, the 58-year-old was pictured being stretchered from his house while tied to a spinal board, after he fainted and fell down the stairs.
The music mogul returned home later that day, but told The Sun, “It’s been scary. A shock to the system.”
Simon, whose girlfriend Lauren Silverman was in New York at the time, was looking after their three-year-old son Eric when the terrifying incident occurred.
After an ambulance was called, he was taken to Chelsea and Westminster NHS Hospital where he was given a CT scan on his brain and MRI scans on his spine, neck and back.
A source close to Simon said, “It was a truly terrifying accident and could have been a lot worse. Simon had woken up and wasn’t feeling right. He was dizzy so went downstairs to fetch some warm milk.
“He fainted when he was climbing back up the stairs to the first floor. His security team heard a loud thump and knew he’d gone down. They immediately called emergency services and an ambulance rushed to the house.
“But he couldn’t be moved for some time because he felt a pain in his spine so they were worried there could be some type of much more serious problem like a broken back. He’s had every sort of test in hospital and is awaiting the results.”
Thankfully, Simon was discharged later that day and returned home, but he was wearing a monitor to keep track of his blood pressure.
He told a friend: “It’s obviously been a scary experience and a real shock to the system. But the NHS staff were incredible and gave me unbelievable treatment.”
Simon’s partner Lauren was woken up at 4am with news of the accident, and immediately rushed to the airport to catch a flight to London.
A pal said, “Simon was at his home alone with Eric, apart from his security team and nanny. Lauren’s son Adam lives in New York and it was her week to look after him there.”
“But she was distraught to be woken up by the news and immediately rushed to the airport to get back home to be with Simon.
“She is upset and worried. Luckily there was a nanny at the house who was able to look after Eric.”
Simon’s accident came just one day before the first X Factor live show, and when asked whether he’ll be well enough to appear on screen, Simon replied, “I will be back but I don’t know about tomorrow. But I’m feeling OK. I fainted. I just had a bit of concussion.”
