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Simon Cowell's Mother Dies, 'X Factor' Halted

'X Factor' Try-Outs Halted Following Death Of Simon's Mother
PA
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X Factor auditions have been cancelled following the death of show supremo Simon Cowell's mother.

The family of the music mogul announced that Julie Cowell died yesterday at 89.

Auditions for the ITV talent show were due to begin in Manchester today but will now no longer go ahead, a spokesman for Syco Entertainment confirmed.

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Simon Cowell's mother, Julie

He said: "They were due to start today and carry on into Tuesday and Wednesday. Today's have been cancelled and we have not made any decisions beyond that."

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 last night, the family said it was heartbroken and would "miss her terribly".

"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," a statement said.

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' Finalists: How Many Can You Name?
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(01 of28)
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a) Austin Drageb) Jonjo Kerrc) Sam Callahan (credit:Emma Peios via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(02 of28)
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a) Austin Drageb) Jonjo Kerrc) Sam CallahanOne of the most fancied 'X Factor' hunks across the show's ten years, Austin came in 9th place in 2008. He's still singing and, needless to say, still regularly taking his top off for selfies on Twitter. (credit:Emma Peios via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(03 of28)
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a) Treyc Cohenb) Maria Lawsonc) Alisha Bennett (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(04 of28)
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a) Treyc Cohenb) Maria Lawsonc) Alisha BennettAlthough she only finished in eighth place, Maria was one of series two's best loved contestants and signed a recording contract soon after the series ended. She has since played the female lead in 'Thriller Live' and fronted a campaign for Brastop.com (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(05 of28)
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a) Kimberley Southwickb) Carolynne Poolec) Lorna Simpson (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(06 of28)
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a) Kimberley Southwickb) Carolynne Poolec) Lorna SimpsonHaving already tried out for 'The Voice' and a previous series of 'The X Factor', Carolynne was the first contestant to get her marching orders in 2012. (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(07 of28)
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a) Ashley McKenzieb) Jamie Archerc) James Michael (credit:MJ Kim via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(08 of28)
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a) Ashley McKenzieb) Jamie Archerc) James MichaelLong before Tamera Foster, Ashley was the contestant who famously struggled to remember his words back in series three. Despite being an early favourite for winner, he ultimately finished in eighth place. (credit:MJ Kim via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(09 of28)
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a) Niki Evansb) Hannah Barrettc) Lucie Jones (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(10 of28)
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a) Niki Evansb) Hannah Barrettc) Lucie JonesControversially, Simon Cowell opted to save Jedward over Lucie in series six. She's since gone on to play Cosette in 'Les Misérables', as well as bagging a role in the recent 'American Psycho' musical in London's West End. (credit:Suzan/Suzan)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(11 of28)
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a) Aiden Grimshawb) Anthony Hannahc) Rikki Loney (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(12 of28)
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a) Aiden Grimshawb) Anthony Hannahc) Rikki LoneyCheryl Cole was shocked when Jedward were saved over Rikki, who was the second contestant to be eliminated in 2009. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(13 of28)
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a) Brenda Edwardsb) Beverley Trotmanc) Roberta Howett (credit:Claire Greenway via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(14 of28)
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a) Brenda Edwardsb) Beverley Trotmanc) Roberta HowettSince finishing in sixth place in 2007, Beverley toured the UK in a production of 'Fame'. (credit:Claire Greenway via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(15 of28)
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a) Nikita Edwardsb) Laura Whitec) Sami Brookes (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(16 of28)
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a) Nikita Edwardsb) Laura Whitec) Sami BrookesLaura's exit is commonly referred to as one of the most controversial ever, with even Mariah Carey claiming that her finishing in eighth place was an injustice! Last year, Laura released her EP 'What My Mother Taught Me', having toured with Peter Andre earlier in her career. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(17 of28)
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a) Kingsland Roadb) Futureproofc) The Risk (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(18 of28)
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a) Kingsland Roadb) Futureproofc) The RiskGood hair. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(19 of28)
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a) Kandy Rainb) Bad Lashesc) Hope (credit:Jon Furniss via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(20 of28)
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a) Kandy Rainb) Bad Lashesc) HopeOne of the first groups ever put together of solo singers who didn't make it on their own, Hope paved the way for One Direction, Little Mix and Belle Amie. (credit:Jon Furniss via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(21 of28)
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a) Robert Allen b) Ben Millsc) Storm Lee (credit:Harry Herd via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(22 of28)
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a) Robert Allen b) Ben Millsc) Storm LeeBen signed a five album deal with Sony after finishing in third place back in 2006. He has since released one album with Sony... (credit:Harry Herd via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(23 of28)
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a) Cassie Comptonb) Rachel Hyltonc) Sophie Habibis (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(24 of28)
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a) Cassie Comptonb) Rachel Hyltonc) Sophie HabibisCassie was just 17 when she auditioned for the first ever series of 'The X Factor', famously pleading with mentor Sharon Osbourne not to cut her a fringe in. Since then she's enjoyed a successful theatre career. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(25 of28)
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a) Nicolo Festab) Aiden Grimshawc) Luke Friend (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(26 of28)
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a) Nicolo Festab) Aiden Grimshawc) Luke FriendNicolo was the first contestant to be eliminated in 2010, following a performance of Lady Gaga's 'Just Dance'. (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(27 of28)
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a) Andy Williamsb) Danyl Johnsonc) Leon Jackson (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Name The 'X Factor' Finalist(28 of28)
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a) Andy Williamsb) Danyl Johnsonc) Leon JacksonYou might recognise Leon - he actually won the show back in 2008, following a duet with Kylie Minogue in the live final. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)

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