We, like the rest of the nation, were a bit shocked to find out the X Factor judging panel was changing. No one likes change, after all. But then we heard that Gary Barlow would be taking over from Simon Cowell as head judge. It turns out, change ROCKS.
This year saw our Take That obsession reach worrying levels. For starters we had the euphoric brilliance (a bit OTT?... we thought not) of Robbie Williams re-joining the band for their Progress tour. After sixteen long years of ups and downs, they were back together and better (looking) than ever. Not that we’re shallow.
Then, just as our post-tour depression started to set in, Barlow returned and gave us about a zillion more reasons to love him. Top of this list has to be the incredible range of facial expressions Gaz has brought to the table. Mysterious, thoughtful, brooding, pensive, reflective – enough different (but kind of the same) looks, he’d make Derek Zoolander jealous.
It would be a crime not to mention this year’s greatest double act though, when Robbie Williams joined Gary for judges’ houses in LA. From doing a Sinitta and covering his manhood using only palm leaves, to comedy accents, we’ve never loved Mr Williams more. Our fave moment had to be before Frankie Cocozza’s audition when the pair started discussing tattoos. “I haven’t got six girls names tattooed on my bum like you have… I think that’s fantastic by the way. That’s proper behavior,” said Robbie, with Gary agreeing, “You need to get it together Rob.” TV gold.
Gary Barlow, you were certainly one of our 2011 best bits. We salute you, Sir.