X Factor auditions will begin tomorrow after a two-day break following the death of show supremo Simon Cowell's mother.

The family of the music mogul announced that Julie Cowell died on Sunday aged 89.

Auditions for the ITV talent show were due to begin in Manchester yesterday but were cancelled.

A spokesman for Syco Entertainment said: "We will now start auditions in Manchester on Wednesday and Thursday this week."

Cowell will attend auditions on both days, he added.

The first try-outs for the new-look show were expected to be attended by Cowell and fellow judges Rita Ora and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, as well as new presenters Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.

Announcing Mrs Cowell's death, the family said: "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."