Alesha Dixon gives update on Simon Cowell's BGT return following back injury
Filming for the live shows is due to start at the end of the month
Last updated 2nd Sep 2020
After the Britain's Got Talent lives shows were postponed earlier this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, hosts Ant and Dec and the four judges are set to return to filming at the end of the month, with a virtual audience.
However, head judge Simon Cowell was forced to underdgo six hours of surgery last weekend after breaking his back in a number of places whilst testing out his new electric bike over in America.
As Simon recovers from the op, he's already been replaced on America's Got Talent by former protégé Kelly Clarkson, and now BGT judge Alesha Dixon has given an update on his UK status.
Appearing on This Morning on Wednesday 12th August, Alesha revealed she's been in contact with Simon's wife Lauren Silverman, telling hosts Ruth and Eamonn, "I've not been able to stop thinking about them all. It's absolutely horrific. We're all devastated and worried about Simon, but the positive thing is that he's in good spirits, and Lauren says that slowly he's on the mend."
When asked about the potential of Simon being fit enough to film the Britain's Got Talent lives shows at the end of the month, Alesha added, "I've got all my fingers and toes crossed that, come the live shows, for Britain's Got Talent, we can hopefully have Simon on a live link because we love him."
Following his horror accident at the weekend, Simon updated his followers after undergoing a six-hour operation over in America.
Posting on his Twitter account, Simon joked, '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.'
Simon then went on to thank all of the professionals who have been caring for him in hospital, adding, 'And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone. Simon.' (sic)
Britain's Got Talent will return in the Autumn with a special one-off catch up show for viewers to re-jog their memory of the audition stages earlier this year.
Then, unlike previous years, each semi-final will be shown on a Saturday night, with Britain's Got Talent set to fill the void of The X Factor.
Check out all of the past Britain's Got Talent winners below:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Although it's been confirmed the semi-finals will take place in September, ITV are yet to release an official air date.