Gary Barlow has reportedly quit his role as an X Factor judge. Gary, who has been a part of the show for three series, is said to have left his position to focus on his band, Take That. Despite Gary's representatives claiming that the 42-year-old has yet to make a firm decision, the singer has taken on new commitments with the band and may not have enough time to work on the hit musical talent show.
Take That, who formed in 1989, are planning a new album, as well as considering the possibility of a tour in 2014 / 2015 which has prompted father-of-three Gary to rethink his contract with the ITV show.
"Gary wants to get back to what he does best, recording a new Take That album and touring with his bandmates," a source told the Sun. "It looks like there's no room for X Factor so this is likely to be his last year."
The producers always feared his day job would get in the way, and they're delighted they've had him for three years. "The latest series of X Factor caused a stir in May when it was revealed that Sharon Osbourne would replace Tulisa Contostavlos on the judging panel.
Six years after feisty reality star Sharon left her role on the show, she is set make a return to X Factor, after agreeing to a £1.5million deal." Sharon and TV bosses feel there is very much unfinished business following her first stint on the show — and are delighted she has agreed to return," a source said in May.
"It was never about the money for Sharon," the source added. "She genuinely loves the programme and considers her previous time on the panel as being a very fulfilling time in her life. "Despite her ups and downs with Simon Cowell over the years, she has always remained a part of the family, and the pair of them currently enjoy a really close friendship."
Gary's departure has prompted speculation that Simon could now be returning to reprise his judging role. Despite his involvement with the US X Factor, poor ratings could mean Simon returns to the UK to join Nicole Scherzinger and his fellow original judges, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.