Now we’re well and truly behind this whole ‘Get Gary knighted’ malarkey – but we haven’t taken things quite as far as Manchester did yesterday. Because when Gary Barlow showed up for the first of this week’s X Factor auditions he couldn’t help but show his surprise at seeing a whole host of fans carrying banners requesting he be given a knighthood.

And it wasn’t just the fans getting in on the act – even panellist Louis Walsh couldn’t help himself. And it took all of about five seconds before Louis jokingly referred to the ‘Head Judge’ as ‘Sir Gary’ with a glint in his eye!

Quite the running joke, we’re sure you’ll agree but things got even better when X Factor team members began playing Rule Britannia in between auditions, encouraging members of the audience to actually stand up and salute The Barlow.

So basically it looks like every man and his dog want to see Gaz Baz get that special honour from The Queen – and we reckon it’s only a matter of time before he gets there. But we know that’s not why he’s doing all these amazing things for the country  - oh no, Gaz just loves a good challenge. Besides, he’s even said he thinks he’s too young for a knighthood.

“I feel a bit young [for a knighthood], if I am honest,” he recently said. “I don't wake up every morning thinking about that, I just want to do good stuff.”

Speaking of the success of Monday’s Diamond jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace, Gary seemed far more excitable, “It was an amazing day - hopefully for the audiences at home watching and everyone there. Not only were the acts having a great time front of stage, the whole of the backstage area were having a good time as well... It was an amazing day for our country yesterday."

See, knighthood schmighthood – our Gaz just wants a good sing song with a crowd.