While the music mogul returned home the same day, he remained at his London pad while Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh took their seats on the panel for the first live show.
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Nicole, as always, stole the show
ITV
Addressing Simon’s absence, host Dermot O’Leary said: “He’s doing fine, he’s watching the show at home.
“Get well soon boss and we hope to see you fighting fit very soon.”
Discussion over whether Simon would be on the programme began shortly after news of his fall was revealed and many fans speculated that Cheryl Tweedy could return to the panel to temporarily replace him.
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Dermot briefly spoke to Cheryl during the show
ITV
And while the former Girls Aloud star did go to the studio, she remained firmly in her seat in the audience, cheering on boyfriend Liam Payne who was a guest performer.
This year, there are fewer live shows set to air and a shake-up from bosses also means that at least one act will depart on both Saturday and Sunday nights.
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There's no word yet on whether Simon will back on the panel for tonight's show
Amanda Edwards via Getty Images
The inaugural 2017 live show saw Louis’s Boys and Sharon’s girls perform, with Spencer Sutherland eventually losing out in the public vote and leaving the competition.
‘X Factor’ continues tonight (Sunday 29 October) as Nicole’s Overs and Simon’s Groups take to the stage.
'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)