Simon Cowell could miss X Factor final as he’s ‘put on bed rest while battling spate of flu’
The X Factor boss is keen to rest up and get better ahead of the final in Wembley this weekend
SIMON Cowell's appearance at this weekend's X Factor final is under threat as he battles the flu.
The talent show boss, 57, has no more acts left in the competition after Emily Middlemas was voted out last weekend.
However, he's no doubt keen to be there to head up the final show of 2016.
According to reports, Simon began feeling unwell after Sunday's results show, and he's since been kept on "bed rest", as well as being forced to miss promotional events.
A source told the Daily Star: "He's on bed rest. He's doing all he can to get better for the final."
The star is said to have been pushing his work schedule to the limit with both X Factor and preparations for the next Britain's Got Talent.
It comes just months after Simon was forced to miss his own charity ball due to illness.
The star had been due to host the Together For Short Lives Midsummer Ball in London with his partner Lauren Silverman, but he was forced to pull out to recover at the time.
Meanwhile, it comes after Simon's final act Emily was voted out at the weekend.
Speaking to , she said: “I know a lot of people think he’s scary, but I think having son Eric has changed that view of him.
“Everyone can see his softer side and he’s not scary at all: just humble, truthful and an amazing dad.”
Simon welcomed his little boy with partner Lauren Silverman on Valentine’s Day in 2014, and previously admitted he is embarrassed by the Mr Nasty reputation he had built for himself thanks to his cutting comments on shows like Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol.
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Speaking about the American talent show, he told the New York Daily News: “To be honest I found that to be embarrassing.
“In real auditions you can’t tell someone who is terrible that they’re good and promise them that they’re going to become a star.
“When we did the show, I would behave as I did in real life. I didn’t take it too seriously when they were bad so I found most situations quite funny.”
Meanwhile Emily, 18, loved every minute of being mentored by Simon, telling Closer he had become like a member of her family.
She said: "Simon's been amazing - he's almost like a fatherly figure.
"He really looks after me: he takes care of my health and makes sure that I'm eating OK.
"We were saying the other day that we think we get on so well because we're both a little crazy".