The X Factor 2015: Simon Cowell will appear at Manchester auditions following death of mother

It has been confirmed that TV boss Simon Cowell will appear at the X Factor 2015 auditions in Manchester following the death of his mother.

The first round of auditions for the upcoming ITV series were cancelled on 5 July after Cowell's beloved mother Julie Brett died at the age of 89 after battling an illness.

Announcing the newly scheduled dates, a Syco Entertainment spokesperson told BBC Newsbeat: "We will now start auditions in Manchester on Wednesday and Thursday this week."

The rep added that Cowell, 55, will attend both audition dates alongside his fellow judges, singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show host Nick Grimshaw and pop star Rita Ora.

It is believed that new Xtra Factor host Rochelle Humes and Grimshaw, 30, are already in Manchester awaiting the auditions to take place and for the rest of the hosts and judges to arrive.

In May, returning hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs were seen attending the preliminary auditions at Event City in Manchester.

The news of Brett's death was announced via a statement released from the X Factor boss and his family, which read: "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."

Brett is survived by her children Cowell, Tony, Nicholas and Michael, and stepchildren John and June.

It is said she was living in a home for more than a year before her death due to poor health.