Simon Cowell’s back injury played factor in him quitting Walk The Line as judge

Simon will no longer serve as a judge on Walk The Line (Picture: Getty)

Simon Cowell’s back injury played a part in his decision in stepping down as a judge on his new upcoming ITV show Walk The Line.

The music mogul announced on Sunday that Take That’s Gary Barlow would be replacing him on the panel as he instead focuses on his role as creator and producer for the debut series of the competition programme.

According to sources close to Simon, one major factor in him retreating to behind-the-scenes was so he could continue to recover after breaking his back last year.

In August 202, the star fell off an electric bike he was testing at his house in Malibu and underwent six hours of surgery, which involved having a metal rod put in his back.

‘After breaking his back last year and still working to strengthen that, and following an exceptionally busy period of filming which recently saw him spend an extended period of time away from home, Simon wants to devote more time to his family in the next few weeks,’ an insider told Metro.co.uk.

They continued: ‘Simon wants to focus on his role as Creator and Executive Producer of Walk The Line – as it is a new launch – in the coming weeks.

Simon is still recovering from breaking his back last August (Picture: Rex)

‘Simon did the same thing when America’s Got Talent first launched in the US in 2006.’

Simon’s appearance on Walk The Line was scheduled to mark his return to UK television after breaking his back.

The show will offer musical variety acts a chance to win a prize pot, but to win the money they must decide if they want to cash out or risk it all to stay in the competition.

Gary Barlow is replacing Simon on the judging panel (Picture: Getty)

Gary, who celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this year, has carved out a successful TV career alongside his music, having been a judge on The X Factor and Let It Shine.

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‘When Simon calls it’s usually with something fairly extraordinary,’ he said. ‘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. It’s also brilliant to be working with the team at ITV again.’

In September it was announced that Maya Jama will host the new show.

Walk The Line debuts on ITV later this year.

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