The X Factor 2013: Gary Barlow 'To Quit Series'

The X Factor's host Dermot O'Leary confirmed to reporters that our favourite judge Gary Barlow is 'leaving at the end of this year'

The X Factor host Dermot O'Leary has confirmed to reporters that judge Gary Barlow is 'leaving at the end of this year.' The host confirmed rumours that the upcoming series of X Factor – Gary's third as a judge – will be the last for Gary Barlow, who is said to want to focus on his singing career.

'If Simon [Cowell] comes back, the dynamic would be very different,' O'Leary told reporters at the London premiere of One Direction's new documentary, This is Us.

'Gary wouldn't be there – he'll be leaving at the end of this year.'

Gary has yet to make it official, but recently remarked that it was 'too early' to say whether or not he'd be return to the judging panel for another series after this one, the show's tenth, which will be back on TV screens at the end of the month. However, producers may not need to look far to find Barlow's replacement – as Dermot offered himself up to the challenge.

'I'd love to judge,' he said. 'I'd be so strict – I'd be nice and strict. I'd be so hardcore. I'd say it how it is.'

According to a spokesperson for the show, 'no decisions will be made on next year's judging panel line-up until further down the line.'

What's your vote? Simon or Gary? Let us know in the comments below.

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