Simon Cowell was touched by the ''incredible'' support he received from the public after his mother's death.

The 55-year-old music mogul lost his mother Julie two weeks ago following a lengthy illness and although Simon is typically guarded with his emotions, he admits to being heartened by the public's sympathies.

He conceded: ''That kind of got me through it, if I'm being honest.''

Simon had been preparing himself for the worst for a while and revealed he was determined not to ''burden'' anyone else with his problem.

He shared: ''She'd been ill for a very long time. It really happened last year and it was a tough, tough period.

''But I didn't want to burden anyone else with my problem. That's why I never talked about it.

''In a way, that was the hardest part because it was always on your mind. But look, I experienced it with my dad and the only thing I can say is that I have incredible memories.''

Julie died just a day before Simon was due to start recording 'The X Factor', but he says his speedy return to work is what his mother would have wanted.

He told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ''It sounds corny but it's exactly what she would have wanted me to do as she loved what I did. When it came to work, she would say, 'Get back and do what you enjoy'.''