Los Angeles - Auditions for The X Factor have been cancelled following the death of Simon Cowell's mother.
A spokesperson for Syco Entertainment has confirmed that the planned events - the first of which was set to take place in Manchester later today - will not now go ahead after the death of Julie Brett, aged 89, following a lengthy health battle that Simon had chosen to keep private.
Speaking last night, the spokesperson 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."
Meanwhile, a show insider has revealed the news has upset everyone connected to the ITV programme.
The source told The Sun newspaper: ''Everyone at X Factor is devastated for Simon and there was no suggestion that filming would go ahead.''
Following Julie's death, the Cowell family issued a statement saying they were ''heartbroken'' by the news.
It reads: ''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.''