X Factor auditions cancelled after judge’s family heartbreak

Jul 6, 2015

Simon Cowell was left devastated yesterday after his mum Julie passed away aged 89.

A statement from the X Factor boss' brother Tony confirmed the news, saying the Cowells already missed their mum "so very much" and that she was the "heart and soul" of their family.

As a result of the sad news, the first round of auditions for the X Factor's new series have been cancelled today, with no news yet about tomorrow's and Wednesday's. "They were due to start today and carry on into Tuesday and Wednesday. Today's have been cancelled and we have not made any decisions beyond that," a spokesperson for Syco Entertainment said this morning.

UK ticketing company Applause Store last night announced the cancellation of the auditions, due to take place in Manchester, saying it was due to "unforeseen circumstances."

(1/2) We are so sorry – but due to unforeseen circumstances tomorrow's (Monday) @TheXFactor Manchester auditions have been cancelled….

— Applause Store (@ApplauseStoreUK) July 5, 2015

The late Mrs. Cowell was mum to four boys – Simon, Nicholas, Tony and Michael, as well as being stepmum to John and June. She had reportedly been ill for some time and was in a home for her final months.

"Simon is absolutely devastated. His mum was the most beloved person in his life and they were incredibly close," a source told The Sun. "But at least she got to see him settle down and start a family which was one of the great wishes of her life."