Take That's Gary Barlow is reportedly the "favourite" to take over Simon Cowell's role on the new series of The X Factor, and is in advanced talks with show bosses. A source told The Daily Mail:
"What Gary and Simon both have is an innate understanding of the music industry and what you need to succeed – that determination. Gary would be a great judge.
"We are in discussions and we should have something to announce in the next couple of weeks."
Auditions begin in May, just before Gary goes out on tour with Take That for the Progress: Live tour. The tour ends in July, and X Factor bosses are apparently trying to see if Gary's schedule will make him unable to film the first stages of the series.
The official word from The X Factor is still very vague, and they won't comment on any specific names - a spokesperson said:
"We will announce the new X Factor judges in due course and everything is speculation at this stage."
Would you tune in to watch Gary?
