‘X Factor' Auditions To Begin In Manchester On Wednesday, After Simon Cowell's Mother's Death Causes Delay

'X Factor' Auditions Given New Start Date After Death Of Simon's Mum

‘X Factor’ bosses have confirmed that this year’s auditions will begin on Wednesday 8 July, after being delayed following the death of Simon Cowell’s mother Julie.

On Monday, Simon’s family confirmed that Julie had died at the age of 89 and Syco bosses confirmed that the planned Manchester auditions would not be taking place.

Simon and his mother Julie

Now, bosses have revealed that the new panel will unite for the first time tomorrow, in a statement which reads: “We will now start auditions in Manchester on Wednesday and Thursday this week."

Simon will attend the auditions, the statement adds, along with his fellow judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, and newbies Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw.

It’s not just the judging panel which has been given a shake-up this year, as the room auditions have been axed, along with the entire presenting team.

The new panel

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack will now front the main show, while Rochelle Humes and Kiss Fm DJ Melvin Odoom will present ‘Xtra Factor’.

Not everyone has been impressed by the changes though, and Si’s close pal Sinitta is one of the many people to speak out against the new panel.

“I do think the panel lacks experience,” she said earlier this month. “I do think that Simon and Nick Grimshaw will have a laugh and have fun but I don't think [Nick] is a mentor... but he does know his music.”

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