Grieving Cowell To Return To X Factor Auditions

Auditions for the X Factor will start on Wednesday after the first two days were cancelled due to the death of judge Simon Cowell's mother.

Julie Cowell died on Sunday at the age of 89.

Auditions for the talent show were due to begin in Manchester on Monday and continue on Tuesday but were called off, a spokesman for Syco Entertainment confirmed.

He said: "We will now start auditions in Manchester on Wednesday and Thursday this week."

Cowell will attend the auditions on both days, the spokesman added.

Fellow judges Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini are set to join Cowell at the first try-outs for the new-look show, alongside new presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.

Announcing Mrs Cowell's death, the family said it was heartbroken and would "miss her terribly".

"Today our beloved mum Julie passed away. Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was," a statement said.

"We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace."

Mrs Cowell was the mother of four boys - Nicholas, Simon, Tony and Michael, and step-mother to John and June.

A spokesman for the family added: "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."

Cowell has received support from friends such as Sinitta who tweeted: "Dearest beloved friend died today, so lost without her, but the finest, happiest memories and lessons remain of my Beautiful Mother-Look."