Simon Cowell Is Quitting TV Role To Spend More Time With His Family

Nov 01, 2021 by apost team

Simon Cowell is one of the biggest names when it comes to talent competition shows on TV. He's appeared as the notorious lead judge on "X Factor" and "Britain's Got Talent" for 17 years. He's also well-known for his role on "America's Got Talent," making him a familiar face on both sides of the Atlantic. 

But now, the 62-year-old is deciding to put family first as he steps down from an upcoming major TV role. Cowell was set to appear on the widely hyped new show "Walk The Line," which will air on the U.K.'s ITV network, but instead, musician and entertainer Gary Barlow will take his place. However, Cowell is still expected to be heavily involved as executive producer and is only canceling his on-screen appearance on the show. 

The news comes 15 months after Cowell was involved in a horrific bike accident at his Malibu home last year. After falling off an electric scooter, Cowell fractured his back in three places and required an emergency surgery that lasted six hours. 

Apparently undergoing a number of procedures and fusions, as well as having a metal rod inserted in his back, doctor's said that the injury was bad but that Cowell was very lucky.

The move to appear less on TV seems to be in line with Cowell's desire to spend more time with his partner Lauren Silverman, 44, and their son Eric, 7. It's a sign that Cowell is choosing his future projects more wisely. However, he is still set to appear on the next series of both "Britain's Got Talent" and "America's Got Talent."

In a statement released to The Sun, Cowell said:

“This is a situation where I have decided it is right for me to focus on my role as the Creator and Producer as we build up to the hugely exciting launch. Gary’s musical pedigree is second to none — and we have known each other a long time now — so I am delighted he is picking up the baton for me for the first series of Walk The Line. I know he will do a fantastic job.” 

Barlow rose to fame as a member of the '90s boy band Take That, before embarking on a successful solo career. Take That reunited in the mid-'00s and Barlow is still releasing new material with them. Additionally, he has built a reputation as a television personality after appearing as a judge on "X Factor UK" and "Let It Shine."

A source close to Cowell also told The Sun:

"Everyone at ITV and within Camp Cowell is massively excited about this new project. It has all the ingredients to be a huge hit. As you can imagine, workaholic Simon has been massively involved from the word ‘go’. 

“But given all the upheavals of the past year or so, what with lockdown and his health, he’s decided now is not the time to be front of camera. He’s just finished an exceptionally busy period filming which saw him spending an extended period of time away from home, so he also wants to devote more time to his family in the coming weeks." 

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Certainly, at this point, Cowell is so well known for his work within talent competition TV shows that his plate is more than full, as he usually works both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. As reported by The Sun, the source added that although Cowell has had a "quieter couple of years by his standards, he still gets recognised everywhere he goes" and that he "has nothing to prove and doesn't seek celebrity status."

They added:

“Just as he did in 2006 for the inaugural AGT launch, Simon wants [to] help steer the ship from behind the scenes so he can ensure the series runs to his exacting demands.”

The outlet revealed that Cowell asked Barlow personally to take over the role for him. Expected to be a "high octane musical gameshow," "Walk The Line" will see contestants compete for the chance to win up to £500.000 (approximately $682,500). Fronted by English TV and radio host Maya Jama, other judges joining Barlow will be singers Craig David and Mabel. In an official statement released from the show, Sky News reports that Barlow stated:

"When Simon calls, it's usually with something fairly extraordinary. I'm so excited to be involved in a brand-new TV show, and of course my favourite part of Walk The Line is discovering new talent."

In the same statement, ITV added:

"We are delighted that Gary has decided to join the Walk The Line family, and we understand and support Simon's decision to focus on his role as producer and creator for this debut series."

What do you think about Simon Cowell stepping back from his on-screen role on "Walk The Line" in order to focus on his family? Pass this on to your friends and family so they can stay up to date, too.