The X Factor auditions cancelled in Manchester as Simon Cowell mourns death of mother

The music mogul lost mum Julie on Sunday and the family is 'heartbroken'

X Factor judge Simon Cowell lost his mother Julie on Sunday 5 July (Getty Images)

First auditions for The X Factor have been cancelled today as lead judge Simon Cowell mourns the sad death of his mother.

Julie Brett died yesterday aged 89 and her family is "heartbroken and will miss her terribly".

As such, ticket vendor Applause Store announced on Twitter that "unforeseen circumstances" have put an end to the planned round of arena auditions in Manchester and all ticket holders have been emailed.

Cowell was to be joined on the first day of filming by new judges Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora and returning judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack replace Dermot O'Leary as presenters.

Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora join Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (SYCO/THAMES TV)

It is not yet known whether the rest of the week's auditions on 7, 8 and 9 July will also be affected. The show is scheduled to reach Wembley Arena in London on 14 July.

The Cowell family released a statement thanking the media for "kindly respecting Julie's privacy throughout" and "politely requesting continued privacy for the entire family at this difficult time".