Producers of the X Factor UK have confirmed that auditions scheduled for Tuesday in London have been postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances,” a show spokesperson said. The decision affects the planned recordings in the capital and follows previous, related schedule changes earlier in the production week.

Reports circulating in the press indicate that the postponement is linked to a bereavement in the family of Simon Cowell. Several outlets say Simon Cowell’s mother passed away last Sunday at the age of 89, and that a funeral may be planned. These reports have not been officially confirmed by the production beyond the brief statement about “unforeseen circumstances.”

Earlier in the same production period, auditions that had been set for Monday and Tuesday of the previous week were also postponed. Those cancellations were attributed to similar personal reasons and produced last-minute changes to the live schedule. Production teams have been working to rearrange recordings while being sensitive to the situation.

Ticket distributor Applesauce Store, which handles free audience tickets for many UK television shows, notified attendees directly about the cancellations. The email to ticket holders read:

“We are so sorry but it has just been confirmed to us that both recordings of The X Factor Auditions in London on TUESDAY 14th JULY have been cancelled due to a bereavement.

“The rest of the Auditions are still going ahead.

“We really apologise for obvious inconvenience this must be causing you, but the situation is entirely out of our control. We thank you for your understanding.”

According to the email, upcoming audition recordings scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week remain planned to go ahead. Producers indicated they are aiming to continue with the wider audition schedule while accommodating any necessary changes arising from the bereavement.

When Simon Cowell returned to the auditions in Manchester last Wednesday, he addressed the audience and contestants directly. He said, “This was my mum’s favorite show so I’m doing it in memory of her.” Media reports have added that Mrs. Cowell reportedly suffered a stroke and had recently spent time in a London hospital, though those specific medical details come from family sources quoted by press outlets.

At this stage the production has released only limited official comment beyond the postponement notice. Viewers, ticket holders and hopeful contestants have been advised to await further updates from the show’s ticketing partner and official X Factor channels for rescheduled dates or additional instructions. The email from the ticket distributor emphasizes that while the cancelled recordings will not take place as planned, the remainder of the audition schedule is intended to continue.

Postponements at this stage of the X Factor audition cycle can affect many people: contestants who have arranged travel and accommodation, audience members with tickets, and the production crew adapting the filming timetable. The show’s teams typically work quickly to rearrange recording dates when necessary, and those impacted by cancellations are usually contacted with options for refunds, transfers or new booking information.

News organizations reporting on the event include Yahoo UK and The Mirror, which have covered both the immediate postponement and the surrounding context. As always in developing stories involving personal bereavement, official confirmation and respectful reporting are important; production statements have been limited and the family’s privacy is being observed.

We will provide further updates as official information becomes available from the show’s representatives or from the ticket distributor regarding rescheduled audition dates and guidance for ticketholders and prospective contestants.

Sources: Yahoo UK, The Mirror