The mother of music mogul Simon Cowell, Julie Cowell, has died at the age of 89.

The family said they were heartbroken and would "miss her terribly" as a spokesman for them confirmed that Mrs Cowell, who lived in the county, died yesterday.

They said: "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."

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."

X Factor auditions which were set to begin in Manchester tomorrow will now no longer go ahead, a spokesman for Syco Entertainment confirmed.

He 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."