Cowell's hospital dash after mother hit by car

X Factor judge Simon Cowell dashed to his mother’s hospital bedside after she was struck by a car, it emerged today.

The TV star’s mother, Julie Cowell, 80, was left badly injured when the vehicle reversed into her.

The former dancer has a suspected broken hip and could face a hip replacement operation following Friday’s accident.

Cowell’s mother telephoned him after the incident and he went straight to her hospital bedside.

He stayed there the next day, watching X Factor with her before flying to the US to start filming a new series of American Idol.

Cowell’s publicist Max Clifford said: “She’s a very sprightly 80-year-old. She still goes to aerobics every week so she’s very fit.”

Cowell told The Sun newspaper: “When I heard, I was worried to death. But she is as strong as an ox and her attitude was a bit like, ‘What’s all the fuss about?’

“I was obviously relieved she is fine and already planning her 100th birthday party.”