Gary Barlow confirms his departure from 'The X Factor'

After previously denying that he planned to quit the show, Gary Barlow has confirmed that he will leave The X Factor at the end of the current series.

11:29 14 October 2013

Singer turned talent judge Gary Barlow has confirmed he will leave the ITV show The X Factor after the 10th series. The news contradicts previous assurances that he had no desire to leave.

Speaking on Saturday night’s show, he told his group Rough Copy: "I've been here for three years and I'm so glad that for my last year on the show I get to mentor you guys."

Perhaps, this isn’t a surprise for everybody. Rumours that the Take That frontman plans to leave the show has been circulating since Dermot O’Leary said that the singer will leave after the current series. When asked about O’Leary’s statement, Barlow said: "In all honesty, I honestly don't know, it's too early.”

"Ask me about two weeks into the live shows and I'll give you an answer on that. But it's far too early."

Now there are rumours that Simon Cowell will go back to the show, which suffered a major ratings drop since his departure two years ago.

Asked about the possibility of his return to the show, he told BBC: "I wouldn't rule it out."