Take That's Gary Barlow Confirmed For The X Factor UK 2012 Return

17 April 2012, 18:28 | Updated: 17 April 2012, 18:38

The 'Greatest Day' singer is the first judge officially confirmed to be back on this year's panel.

Gary Barlow is set to return for a second year on The X Factor after it was announced he will be back on the show's judging panel for the upcoming series.

The Take That frontman joined the show last as a replacement for Simon Cowell, and both Gary and The X Factor have now announced he will be back on the ITV1 series when it returns later this year.

"I'm so happy to tell you all that I'm back on The X Factor this year! See you at auditions," Gary tweeted this evening (17th April).

"Gary will be BACK! He told us: "I'm thrilled to be back and really looking forward to working with The X Factor team again!" The X Factor also tweeted. "The big man himself - @SimonCowell told us: "Gary has earned his place and I'm excited to be working with him again." - how X-citing!"

Earlier this month fellow The X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos told capitalfm.com she will also be back on The X Factor for another series, and admitted she was feeling "quite nervous" about returning to the popular talent show.

Olly Murs has also confirmed that both himself and Caroline Flack will be returning as co-hosts on The X Factor's ITV2 sister series The Xtra Factor.