Simon Cowell blasted for ‘setting a bad example’ on Saturday Night Takeaway

25 February 2024 , 09:13

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Simon Cowell blasted for ‘setting a bad example’ on Saturday Night Takeaway

Saturday Night Takeaway viewers have taken aim at Simon Cowell for 'setting a bad example' following a prank by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly for their ITV show.

The popular Saturday night spectacular was back for its 20th series and to celebrate this, Ant and Dec trapped Britain's Got Talent head honcho with the perfect prank while he was a judge on America's Got Talent. While the hilarious set-up brought laughter from many, there were some who complained that the music and TV mogul was not suitably bedecked in safety gear as he rode his bike.

The 64-year-old X Factor boss was filmed cycling without wearing a helmet as he was interrupted by a fake police officer while on his morning cycle who accused him of a number of made-up offences. It was the lack of safety gear that sat uncomfortably with many at home, who took to X, formerly Twitter, in droves to share their consternation.

Simon Cowell acknowledges that he should have been wearing a helmet while cycling (ITV)

One X user pointed out that after Simon's e-bike accident, wearing a helmet would be imperative. They posted: "Currently watching #SaturdayNightTakeaway and I’m surprised to see Simon Cowell, a person who injured himself badly on an e-bike, not wearing a helmet. This is him genuinely out for a normal bike ride, pre-shenanigans. Look after yourselves everyone! Wear a helmet lol."

Simon Cowell is stopped by a fake police officer during the prank (ITV/Saturday Night Takeaway)

Another had similar thoughts as they posted about Simon's lack of protective equipment: "Considering the guy has had accidents on his bike; breaking his back, his arm…. and other injuries, im surprised at the lack of protective gear or even a helmet…..??" A third person took aim at Simon, especially with younger viewers watching the show: "Simon cycling without a helmet as well. Not setting a good example".

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Back in the Saturday Night Takeaway studio, Simon was quick to acknowledge his error after watching the video. He told Ant and Dec that his son had also questioned the lack of helmet. Simon told the Geordie duo that Eric had asked him on the morning of the prank: "Aren’t you going to wear a helmet?"

Ant and Dec were loving the Saturday Night Takeaway prank on Simon Cowell (ITV/Saturday Night Takeaway)

Simon admitted that he had lied and had told his son that he was going to wear a helmet before changing his mind and quickly apologised as he looked down the camera. The accident in question, which viewers had referenced, happened in August 2020 in Malibu, California, in which Simon fell from his electronic bike and needed hours of surgery on a broken back and other injuries, with him noting that he was lucky to be alive after the accident.

James Brinsford