THE organisers of Rhyl's upcoming X Factor auditions have been left "shocked" after the event was cancelled.

In a statement released by organisers Prestatyn events planners and SFX retailers The Garden Den, the event is understood to have been "put on hold for the time being" by producers ITV and Thames TV.

The first stage auditions for the incredibly popular music based talent show were due to take place at the Late Lounge in Rhyl on Thursday, March 21.

A spokesperson for The Garden Den said: "Unfortunately we regret to announce that ITV and Thames TV have informed us that this year's X Factor first stage auditions have been cancelled and has been placed on hold for the time being.

"We were shocked to hear the news, and sadly the auditions on March 21 will no longer be going ahead.

"Everybody who has purchased tickets for the show has been refunded and the money will appear back in their accounts by Tuesday, March 19."

The organisers claim they were initially informed of the decision to put the event on hold about two weeks ago, but have since had no confirmation on wheter auditions would still go ahead on the original date and were forced to cancel.

Speaking to The Journal, the spokesperson added: "Having to do it this close to the date, it is a disappointment, however it is completely out of our control.

"We were informed that it was on hold for now, about two weeks ago. We didn't want to just think "Oh ok, that's it", so we gave them more time to see if it would change back again. But it hasn't.

"We do hope its going to come back, after talking with the production company, they are still unsure as what will go ahead and what wont.

"A lot of businesses did back the first stage auditions, and like ourselves, they have been left out of pocket. Even though we got a small amount back, we are still at a big loss.

"We were not given any form of statement to send out either so we have a lot to pick up from this and of course we hope everyone who registered with us for the show understands.

"If auditions is still what they still want, our very own Wales Has Talent will be back this year for another term."