March 11, 2012 18:45

Gary Barlow to quit X Factor for The Queen?

Reports Barlow will prioritise Diamond Jubilee celebrations

Photo: Press

Gary Barlow could quit this year's X Factor to commit more time to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

According to The People, Barlow's role on the ITV1 talent show is in jeopardy.

The newspaper reports an X Factor source saying, "Gary wants to go back and Simon wants him but he has got a lot on this summer, namely the Jubilee concert which is taking up a lot of his time."

The source added:

This and other projects he is working on mean that unless the audition schedule changes, Gary won't be an X Factor judge for this year's show, which will be a huge blow for Simon

The Take That singer is currently writing a song with musical impresario Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

He has also been entrusted with organising a concert at Buckingham Palace, which will take place on June 4.

This is not the first time X Factor producers have had to look into changing the show's schedule to accommodate Barlow's diary.

Last year, the audition stage was shifted to allow Barlow to join his Take That band mates – including the returning Robbie Williams – on their sold-out tour.

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