Cowell's mother injured by car knock

Simon Cowell's rushed to his mother's bedside after she was badly injured when a car knocked her down.

Cowell said Julie, who is more than 80 years old, is bearing up well despite suffering what it though to be a broken hip.

“When I heard, I was worried to death," the X Factor judge told The Sun. "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.”

Cowell went to the hospital near Julie's home in Brighton on Friday and stayed for the following day. Assured she was making progress, he flew back to America to start filming for the next American Idol.