Amanda Holden ''saw Simon Cowell'' when she fell ill.

The 'Britain's Got Talent' judge - who resumed her position on the ITV1 series less than three weeks after she almost died from blood loss while giving birth to baby daughter Hollie Rose - joked that she saw a vision of a ''Godly'' Simon when she ''flat-lined'' in hospital.

However, she hit back at criticism she has returned to the show too quickly, saying it was ''good for the soul''.

She told BANG Showbiz: ''I don't consider it work; I think digging up roads is work or a nine to five office job. But I think sitting at a desk and pressing a buzzer for a day is a treat. It's good for the soul so that's why I came back.

''And I was desperate to see Simon, of course. I saw him when I flat-lined, actually. He is God, I tell you.

''I was obviously feeling well enough or I wouldn't have come back. I've always had a really positive outlook on life so I'm not quite sure what the lesson was.''

Meanwhile, Amanda's co-judges Simon, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams praised the 41-year-old star as an ''inspiration''.

Speaking at the launch of 'Britain's Got Talent' in London yesterday (22.03.12), Alesha said: ''I admire her. I think it shows a strong person. Rather than sitting at home and feeling sorry for herself she got up and got out there. She's an inspiration to us all.''

Simon added: ''Amanda is the bravest little soldier in showbusiness.''

'Britain's Got Talent' returns to ITV1 tomorrow (24.03.12) at 8pm.