MUSIC mogul Simon Cowell is said to be heartbroken after the death of his beloved mother.
Auditions for the latest series of X Factor have been postponed after Julie Brett, 89, suffered a fatal stroke.
Cowell's mother, a former dancer, had previously overcome breast cancer but is understood to have been ill for some time.
A friend of the family said: "Simon is absolutely devastated.
"His mum was the most beloved person in his life and they were incredibly close.
"But at least she got to see him settle down and start a family which was one of the great wishes of her life."
ITV bosses have cancelled the first day of X Factor auditions in Manchester where the new judging line-up - Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora - were due to start filming.
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