Gary Barlow's £2 million X Factor return: Simon Cowell brings singer back ... - Daily Mail

By Liz Thomas

PUBLISHED: 12:26 EST, 17 April 2012 | UPDATED: 12:31 EST, 17 April 2012

Gary Barlow will return to the X Factor judging panel this year

Gary Barlow will return to The X Factor after signing a deal worth as much as 2 million to be a judge on this year's series.

ITV moved to counter revelations that Cowell had wanted the Take That star singer sacked because of lacklustre ratings last year.

The broadcaster confirmed he would return – the first official announcement about the judging panel for the 2012 series.

The announcement came as details of Cowell's 'despair' at The X Factor last year were revealed.

Claims in Tom Bower's biography Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life of Simon Cowell suggest the 52-year-old music mogul wanted to fire Barlow.

It says Cowell complained the contestants that featured were the worst ever and wanted to replace Barlow with a record industry executive.

Cowell could not appear on the panel because he was working on launching the U.S. version of the show.

Bower claim's that The X Factor executive felt Barlow was 'too scripted' and not spontaneous enough.

It is thought that Cowell changed his mind earlier this year and decided to give Barlow another chance as ITV were keen to have the big name star return.

Change-up: Simon Cowell had apparently felt Gary was 'too scripted' but changed his mind because he wanted a big name back on the show

Sources close to Barlow, 41, said he felt 'a little bit sore' about stinging appraisal of his abilities being made public.

In an apparent bid to smooth over the situation, the announcement was released late yesterday afternoon.

Gary Barlow said: '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.'

Cowell added: '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.'

Mentor: Gary with his former protegee Frankie Cocozza during last season

It is expected that Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos will also return and negotiations with Kelly Rowland are ongoing.

ITV director of television Peter Fincham  said:  '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.'

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