Take That's Gary Barlow 'favourite' to replace Simon Cowell on The X Factor

Singer Gary Barlow tipped to become new judge on ITV show

Gary Barlow is in the running for a job on The X Factor

Take That singer-songwriter Gary Barlow is being lined-up to replace Simon Cowell on The X Factor judging panel.

The 51-year-old is leaving the ITV series to concentrate on launching the show in the States.

Now producers think Gary will be the best fit to take over from Simon - so they're said to be working the audition process for the UK X Factor around Take That's summer tour schedule.

'What Gary and Simon both have is an innate understanding of the music industry and what you need to succeed - that determination,' says a source.

'He would be a great judge.'

Gary, 40, would join Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue on the panel.

But fourth judge Cheryl ?Cole's position is yet to be confirmed because she's expected to make the move to America with Simon.

'Gary is our favourite for the job,' the source tells the Daily Mail.

'We are in discussions and we should have something to announce in the next couple of weeks.'

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Esme Riley

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