X Factor auditions due to take place on Tuesday have been postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

Simon Cowell’s mother Julie died last Sunday, and it has been reported that her funeral will take place on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the show declined to comment on the reason for the change and said auditions had been postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, but would resume as usual on Wednesday.

The music mogul paid tribute to his late mother, who was 89, on Twitter.

Mrs Cowell was the mother of four boys – Nicholas, Simon, Tony and Michael – and stepmother to John and June.

A family statement after her death read: “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.”

Auditions for the ITV talent show were due to begin in Manchester last Monday, but were postponed.