X Factor auditions cancelled after Simon Cowell's mum dies
Simon Cowell with his Outstanding Contribution to Entertainment award and Lauren Silverman during the Elle Style Awards 2015
X Factor auditions due to take place in Manchester today have been cancelled following the death of judge Simon Cowell's mum last night.
Julie Cowell had spent time in hospital recently and passed away at the age of 89 due to a stroke.
A Syco rep said, "They were due to start tomorrow and carry on into Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow's have been cancelled and we have not made any decisions beyond that."
Simon Cowell has three brothers - Nicholas, Tony and Michael as well as step-brother John and step-sister June.
A statement released by the family read, "Today our beloved mum Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was. We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace.
"We would like to thank the media for kindly respecting Julie's privacy throughout and we politely request continued privacy for the entire family at this particularly difficult time."
The X Factor auditions would have been the first to be judged by newbies Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw who are joining Simon and Cheryl Fernandez Versini in the new line-up.