Simon Cowell found it ''incredibly difficult'' returning to work after the death of his mother.

The music mogul's 89-year-old mother Julie passed away just a day before he was set to start work on the new series of 'The X Factor' in July and although it was tough going back to work two days after she passed away, he admitted it took his mind off the sad subject.

He explained: ''I'm not going to lie. There were times 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.''

The 55-year-old judge continued to say although the topic of her passing is still ''raw,'' he is simply glad he got to say goodbye.

He said: ''It wasn't like my father's death, which was a huge shock. I had my 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 all 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.''

And although it was only days later when auditions began for the programme, he was helped through it by the people who work on the show including fellow judges Rita Ora, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw.

He told the Daily Mail newspaper: ''They rallied round. Everyone was supportive. It is the cliché about them being like family - it's a cliché because it's true. They knew the balance and played it absolutely right.''