After weeks of rumours over who this year's X Factor judges will be, Gary Barlow is officially confirmed as one of the panel.
Take That tours and Diamond Jubilee commitments had both been suggested as possible reasons why Gary Barlow would not be able to return to the ITV singing contest, but it seems he has made the hit show a priority after much schedule reshuffling. The 41-year-old singer will reprise his role as an X Factor judge, a job he is very pleased to pick back up.
Gary said: 'I'm thrilled to be back and really looking forward to working with The X Factor team again. The fact that a superstar could just walk out on that stage is very exciting.'
Simon Cowell seemed equally as pleased with the news, saying: 'It’s great to be able to confirm our first judge for this year’s show. Gary has earned his place and I’m excited to be working with him again.'
It has also been revealed that for the first time in X Factor history, the show will be accepting online auditions via Facebook.
Now all that's left to reveal is who the other three judges will be... Watch this space.
