The U.K. edition of The X Factor may also have more new faces on the judging panel for its new season, just like the U.S. edition. According to reports, Take That singer Gary Barlow is set to leave the show to focus on making music with the group.
The Sun claims that Barlow, who recently agreed to a £1.5million contract extension after Take That delayed their new record, won’t be able to come back now that the group is finally ready to record again. In addition to a new album, Take That is also planning a European tour in 2014 and 2015.
“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 bandmates,” the Sun’s source claims.
“It looks like there’s no room for X Factor so this is likely to be his last year,” the source continued. “The producers always feared his day job would get in the way, and they’re delighted they’ve had him for three years.”
Meanwhile, another U.K. tabloid, The Mirror, is reporting that Barlow hasn’t 100 percent committed to leaving. That publication claims that Barlow will give producers his notice on Monday. “Everything is unclear at the moment. Everyone is on tenterhooks,” the Mirror’s source claims.
An insider for The Sun adds that ITV, which broadcasts the U.K. edition, is hoping that creator Simon Cowell could be talked into returning as a judge, since the show’s ratings have slipped since he left.
The 2013 edition of The X Factor U.K. is currently in the auditions phase, with Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, notes the Daily Mail.
The U.S. edition starts its third season on Fox in the fall with Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio as judges.
image: Wikimedia Commons
