Simon Cowell Is in 'Fantastic Health' Despite Pausing “Britain’s Got Talent” Filming Due to Migraines: Source (Exclusive)
“Unfortunately he’s been prone to migraines and the filming lights are particularly bright,” a source tells PEOPLE
Despite recent reports that Simon Cowell was missing from Britain's Got Talent due to a “mystery illness,” a source close to the 64-year-old talent judge tells PEOPLE that he is in “fantastic health” and still working.
Two weeks ago, the English television personality left filming early around 9 p.m. due to a migraine, missing about 15 minutes and the final two auditions of the day, the source shares.
“He was back filming the next morning and for the rest of the week and begins filming in Manchester today,” the source says.
“He occasionally gets migraines from being under the bright filming lights for long stretches," the source explains. "His tinted glasses help a lot however, unfortunately he’s been prone to migraines and the filming lights are particularly bright.”
The insider adds that any other reports of an “illness” or that Cowell “exited the show” are “maliciously exaggerated” and “complete nonsense.”
“He's in fantastic health, better than ever and great fitness too, is biking and walking a lot every day and has started reformer Pilates for strengthening his back,” the source tells PEOPLE. “All his friends are telling him to bring out a range of his own light-filtering glasses now to help others.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Cowell also addressed any health concerns on Instagram, posting a photo of himself wearing the orange-tinted glasses and comparing the look to the eyes of a fly.
“I just found out, according to the internet, I have a ‘mystery illness.’ For anyone concerned, I missed two auditions at the end of one day, two weeks ago, because I do get migraines after long days in the filming lights,” he wrote.
“Next week we are filming BGT in Manchester - I look forward to seeing you then,” said the American Idol alum. “PS. This is why I wear these glasses!”
Cowell has been seen wearing the glasses for several months, first mentioning them to reporters in November while on the red carpet for America's Got Talent: Fantasy League.
“Everything looks better," he said while pointing to the glasses on his face and joking, "You look amazing! And you know what, it cuts out all the blue light on computers and iPads. I have lights in my face when I am filming so this cuts out a lot of that."
For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on People.