Barlow set to quit 'X Factor'

Gary Barlow will quit 'The X Factor' to focus on Take That, it has been reported.

Barlow set to quit 'X Factor'

Gary Barlow will quit 'The X Factor' to focus on Take That, it has been reported.

The star is set to leave his role as a judge on the TV talent show so he can concentrate on his own music career.

After recently signing a £1.5m deal to stay on the panel for the upcoming series, it seems this will be the singer's final year.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Gary's a decent bloke and figured it was best to lay his cards on the table as early as possible.

"He wants to get back to what he does best, recording a new Take That album and touring with his band mates.

"It looks like there's no room for 'X Factor' so this is likely to be his last year."

Although show bosses are likely to offer Gary, 42, a way to juggle both, it is unlikely he will be staying with fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne after the current run.

The source said: "The producers always feared his day job would get in the way and they're delighted they've had him for three years.

"I'm sure they'll present Gary with a plan that could see him do both - they moved auditions in 2010 to allow him to meet his gig commitments - but they know three years on 'X Factor' is likely to be enough for him."

While a spokesman for the 'Shine' singer insisted he hasn't yet made a decision, reports of his impending departure could pave the way for a sensational return for the show's creator Simon Cowell.

A TV insider said: "ITV desperately want him back on 'The X Factor'. They hate the fact that their biggest show is missing its biggest draw."

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
(C)2024 Disney. Disneyland Paris – Disneyland Hotel Re-Opening Watch: Iconic Disneyland Paris hotel re-opens after two year renovation
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited