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Amanda Holden issues update on Simon Cowell’s debilitating health condition as she reveals star’s ‘suffering’

Simon wears red glasses to prevent migraines on set…

Amanda Holden has shed light on why her Britain’s Got Talent co-star Simon Cowell has been spotted wearing red-lensed glasses during auditions.

The star revealed on her Heart radio show that they are linked to Simon‘s struggle with migraines.

Simon Cowell on the red carpet
Simon has been seen wearing red-lensed glasses (Credit: SplashNews)

Amanda Holden shares Simon Cowell’s ‘suffering’

Speaking on Heart Breakfast alongside Jason King and Ashley Roberts, Amanda confirmed that Simon’s eyewear choice isn’t just a fashion statement.

“He does suffer from migraines, and the lights are very bright,” she explained of filming BGT.

He does suffer from migraines.

“But I also think they’re quite flattering on him, so I would imagine it’s a heady mix of all of those things. But he does get bad headaches, bless him.”

The conversation was sparked after Ashley noted Simon’s distinctive glasses. She asked Amanda if they were related to a health condition. Amanda reassured listeners that while the glasses help reduce glare, they are also a fashion choice.

“Do you know what it reminds me of?” Jason chimed in. “What was that innovations catalogue, and you used to have those driving glasses to stop the glare, it’s like that.

“It’s more preventative because of the amount of lighting that’s on me and him to keep us looking young,” Amanda giggled.

Ashley wrapped up by praising Simon’s look, saying: “He looks good – we like it!”

Amanda opened up about Simon’s choice of eyewear (Credit: SplashNews)

Simon’s photophobia

The BGT boss previously revealed that he suffers with photophobia, or acute light sensitivity, which can bring on migraines.

He has said: “The red glasses are because I have lights in my eyes all day long and it’s like a laser and I get migraines and that’s like a filter. They actually do work.”

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A post shared by Simon Cowell (@simoncowell)

Simon also addressed missing some of the BGT auditions last year due to his migraines.

Back in February, he posted: “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. Next week we are filming BGT in Manchester – I look forward to seeing you then. PS. This is why I wear these glasses!”

The 2025 BGT auditions were put on hold following One Direction singer Liam Payne’s sudden death. They restarted this week, with the gang currently auditioning in Blackpool.

Read more: Amanda Holden’s daughter Lexi debuts ‘new boyfriend’ in New Year snaps

Amanda Holden cycled 250 miles to raise money for charity 🚴🏼‍♀️💨

So, what do you think of Simon’s glasses? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.


Ella Clarke
Freelance Writer