ITV and Simon Cowell have confirmed Take That singer Gary Barlow will return as a judge for the 2012 series of the X Factor.
Announcing Barlow’s return, show creator Cowell said: “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.”
Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television, says: “Gary quickly established himself as a key member of The X Factor judging panel, drawing on his years of experience in the music industry to help in the search for our undiscovered singing stars. I’m thrilled to welcome him back to the biggest show on British television.”
Barlow added: “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.”
ITV says the names of the other judges will be announced later in the spring.