Simon Cowell's bike accident was 'catalyst for proposal to Lauren Silverman' says brother

Simon Cowell's bike accident was the "catalyst" for his proposal to Lauren Silverman his brother has said.

The 62-year-old Britain’s Got Talent creator - who broke his back falling off an electric bicycle in August 2020 - became engaged to his 44-year-old girlfriend on Christmas Eve 2021 in Barbados.

Cowell's 71-year-old brother Tony told Best magazine: "I believe that accident was the catalyst for Simon. He began to think about his future, and who to share it with. I am very fond of Lauren; she is both a caring mum and a loyal companion to Simon.

"She is constantly reaching out to all our family, and was incredibly supportive to all of us following our mum’s death in 2015."

Read more: Simon Cowell reveals his bike injuries were 'millimetre away' from 'cutting back in half'

Simon was very close to his mother Julie, who passed away in 2015. Tony said she would have been "overjoyed" at the news Simon is engaged to be married as she "always wanted to see him settle down and start a family".

The X Factor judge began dating Silverman, 44, in 2013 and they share seven-year-old son Eric. Silverman also has an older son Adam from a previous relationship.

Tony said Simon's life has "completely changed" since he became a father.

He added: "‘For the first time, he appears to be happy and content."

Read more: Simon Cowell's deadly 'America's Got Talent' stunt shocks audience

Last year saw Simon gradually return to the spotlight after undergoing surgery in August 2020 to treat a broken back.

The TV talent mogul was trying out a new electric bike at his Malibu home with his family when the incident occurred.

He is said to have adopted a vegan diet as part of his healthy new lifestyle.

Simon is yet to officially confirm the engagement news but a video has emerged of him being congratulated by a photographer to which he replied: "‘I really appreciate that."

The Syco boss has arrived back in the UK and joined David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon for the new Britain's Got Talent auditions in London.

Watch: Simon Cowell is engaged to marry Lauren Silverman