Simon Cowell on beloved mum Julie’s recent death: ‘It was incredibly difficult’

Simon Cowell has opened up about the loss of his mother last month, admitting he found returning to work just two days after her death “incredibly difficult”.

The music mogul’s beloved mum Julie passed away at the age of 89 just one day before he was due to start filming the upcoming series of the _X Facto_r.

And while the businessman admits he found it hard to force himself to carry out his professional duties, he says it helped in a way by taking his mind off the sad matter.

He told the Daily Mail: “I’m not going to lie. There were times when it was incredibly difficult, but then there were other times I was able to switch my mind off and concentrate on what was happening and the contestants.”

Simon went on to say he was pleased to be able to say goodbye to his mother which he didn’t get to do with his father Eric when he passed away.

He continued: “It wasn’t like my father’s death, which was a huge shock. I had time with my mum to say goodbye.

“The biggest regret you’d ever have is not to have the chance to say how you feel about someone. Not that there’s ever a good time for it to happen, and it is still a bit raw.

“I know I’ll miss her every day, but I also know I’m incredibly grateful to have had her. She was an optimist, my mum, and I think I’ve got that in me as well. I’m trying not to be the victim here.”

The television boss was able to take comfort in the support of his fellow X Factor judges Nick Grimshaw, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora who all made sure they were there if he needed them.

He said: “They rallied round. Everyone was supportive. It is the cliché about them being like family – it is a cliché because it’s true. They knew the balance and played it absolutely right.”

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