Simon Cowell, 61, ends the year in style as he relaxes on board his luxury yacht in Barbados

He’s had a tough 2020 after breaking his back during a horrific August bike accident.

But Simon Cowell is seeing out the year in style in his favourite holiday destination of Barbados.

The music and TV mogul, 61, enjoyed another relaxing day in the sunshine on Wednesday, kicking back on his yacht with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 43, son Eric, six, and a group of friends.  

All aboard: He’s had a tough 2020 after breaking his back during a horrific August bike accident. But Simon Cowell is seeing out the year in style in his favourite holiday destination of Barbados

The music mogul, 61, who is in recovery after having major back surgery following his accident in Los Angeles four months ago, looked healthy and happy as he chatted with the group.

Simon was the centre of attention, holding court on board with his group of friends. 

He displayed his impressive physique by stripping down to a pair of swim shorts for the day at sea, while Lauren looked gorgeous in her strapless black and white swimsuit. 

The X Factor creator has shed a whopping 4st after adopting a strict vegan diet and overhauling his exercise regime. 

Kicking back: The music and TV mogul, 61, enjoyed another relaxing day in the sunshine on Wednesday, kicking back on his yacht with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 43, son Eric, six, and a group of friends

Kicking back: The music and TV mogul, 61, enjoyed another relaxing day in the sunshine on Wednesday, kicking back on his yacht with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, 43, son Eric, six, and a group of friends

Couple: He displayed his impressive physique by stripping down to a pair of swim shorts for the day at sea

Looking fab: Lauren looked gorgeous in her strapless black and white swimsuit and statement gold heart necklace

Couple: He displayed his impressive physique by stripping down to a pair of swim shorts for the day at sea, while Lauren looked gorgeous in her strapless swimsuit

This is the life: Simon, who is said to be walking five miles a day to aid his recovery, was the centre of attention, holding court on board with his group of friends

This is the life: Simon, who is said to be walking five miles a day to aid his recovery, was the centre of attention, holding court on board with his group of friends

The holiday no doubt comes as a welcome break for Simon, who was taken to hospital in August to undergo six hours of surgery after breaking his back.   

He had to cancel all his planned TV work for the rest of the year, including Britain’s Got Talent. 

Simon continues his recovery during the festive getaway. Sinitta, 52, who once dated the Britain’s Got Talent judge, has disclosed that he is now walking a gruelling five miles a day amid his continued recovery. 

Pals: The mogul has been joined by a large group of friends and family for the annual trip, including son Eric, six

Pals: The mogul has been joined by a large group of friends and family for the annual trip, including son Eric, six

Relaxing: Simon looked in great shape as he stripped down to his white swimming short, paired with designer shades

Relaxing: Simon looked in great shape as he stripped down to his white swimming short, paired with designer shades

She told The Sun: ‘Simon has worked hard at his recovery and told me he’s walking 10,000 steps a day that’s around five miles – way more than he was before the accident. He’s got one of those watches that measures every step.’ 

It comes after sources claimed last week that Simon was considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back.     

The TV mogul and his team are said to be ‘weighing up’ legal options and have been ‘pressing’ the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain. 

Catching up: The mogul and his family jetted to Barbados earlier this month for his annual festive break

Catching up: The mogul and his family jetted to Barbados earlier this month for his annual festive break 

One lawyer claimed that a successful lawsuit could see Simon get up to £10million for medical bills and loss of earnings, The Sun reported.

It comes as a whistleblower from the manufacturers reportedly claimed the £20,000 electric bike an ‘accident waiting to happen’ due to Simon’s lack of training.    

He told the publication: ‘It should never have been sold to Simon without him being taught how to use it.’ 

The former employee claimed the Swind EB-01 bike, which can reach up to 60mph and is banned on public roads in the UK, should not be used without specialist training.

Tough year: The holiday no doubt comes as a welcome break for Simon, who was taken to hospital in August to undergo six hours of surgery after breaking his back

Tough year: The holiday no doubt comes as a welcome break for Simon, who was taken to hospital in August to undergo six hours of surgery after breaking his back

In recovery: He had to cancel all his planned TV work for the rest of the year, including Britain's Got Talent

In recovery: He had to cancel all his planned TV work for the rest of the year, including Britain’s Got Talent

Working hard: Simon continues his recovery during the festive getaway. Sinitta, 52, who once dated the Britain's Got Talent judge, has disclosed that he is now walking a gruelling five miles a day amid his continued recovery

Working hard: Simon continues his recovery during the festive getaway. Sinitta, 52, who once dated the Britain’s Got Talent judge, has disclosed that he is now walking a gruelling five miles a day amid his continued recovery

The source continued: ‘I said to my boss, “Are you showing Simon how to use this?” He said he was just dropping it off and I said, “Are you serious?”‘    

The X Factor boss’ team are studying the claims made by the former employee and are ‘pressing the manufacturers’ about the safety of the bike.   

A spokesperson for Simon told MailOnline: ‘Simon is understandably extremely concerned for other peoples’ safety in relation to this bike. 

‘We have been pressing the manufacturers about this and will continue to press them, including in relation to the claims of the former member of staff.’ 

Family: Simon has been helped in his recovery by partner Lauren and their son Eric, six. The family's beloved dogs Squiddly and Diddly were also spotted on board the boat

Family: Simon has been helped in his recovery by partner Lauren and their son Eric, six. The family’s beloved dogs Squiddly and Diddly were also spotted on board the boat

Taking action: Sources claimed last week that Simon was considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back

Taking action: Sources claimed last week that Simon was considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back

Taking a dip: Lauren was spotted cooling off in the ocean with a female friend, looking glam with her designer accessories

Taking a dip: Lauren was spotted cooling off in the ocean with a female friend, looking glam with her designer accessories

Accident: The TV mogul and his team are said to be 'weighing up' legal options and have been 'pressing' the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain

Accident: The TV mogul and his team are said to be ‘weighing up’ legal options and have been ‘pressing’ the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain

A spokesperson for Manufacturers Swindon Powertrain told MailOnline: ‘With any device, it is important to read the user manual before attempting to operate, acknowledged by Mr Cowell himself.   

‘The EB-01 user manual includes a detailed process of how to familiarise oneself with the performance features and procedures to follow.’

They added that they are ‘in contact with Mr Cowell’s aides to progress this’, noting, ‘the company has acted in good faith at all times.’ 

Simon broke his back in August after falling from his electric bike, leaving him forced to undergo a six-hour surgery to try and fix the injuries.  

Going under: At one point during the relaxing day at sea, Simon decided to enjoy a spot of snorkeling

All the gear: The star looked like a pro as he went under

Going under: At one point during the relaxing day at sea, Simon decided to enjoy a spot of snorkeling 

This is the life: After his dip in the ocean, the BGT star wrapped up in a towel and enjoyed a refreshing drink back on board

This is the life: After his dip in the ocean, the BGT star wrapped up in a towel and enjoyed a refreshing drink back on board

The accident occurred when the powerful machine ‘flew up in the air and did an accidental wheelie’ after he tried to change gears. The music boss is thought to have been ‘surprised by the power’ of the bike and knew immediately that he ‘was in trouble’. 

Following the accident, Simon tweeted: ‘Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.’

He then added in a second tweet: ‘And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone Simon.’ 

Ending the year in style: Simon was looking relaxed and happy after his difficult 2020

Ending the year in style: Simon was looking relaxed and happy after his difficult 2020