Simon Cowell will reportedly miss all of the remaining Britain's Got Talent shows this year after breaking his back earlier the month.
The 60-year-old suffered the injury after falling off his new electric bike at his home in California, ruling him out of the rest of the season of America's Got Talent.
BGT was forced off the air after the pre-recorded auditions stage due to coronavirus but is due to return in a fortnight for the semi-finals and final, which will air over consecutive Saturdays on ITV.
Initially it was thought that Cowell might be well enough to return to the UK to take part, or alternatively appear by video link from the US, but The Mirror reports that both of those options have now been ruled out.
"Everything is fixed, he just needs healing time," a source told the newspaper. "Flying halfway across the world is not part of the plan and he has agreed to put his health first.
"It was decided that the idea of having him judge the BGT finalists via a link was just not feasible – nor sensible."
Cowell will apparently be replaced by a new fourth judge for the conclusion to this year's series, although the prospect of original judge Piers Morgan returning has allegedly been ruled out due to his long-standing feud with David Walliams.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
