It's been a stressful year for the X Factor judges – even by X Factor standards – but surely it's not so bad as to warrant a walkout? Gary Barlow has got us all worried by hinting that he may not return as head judge (and head hottie) on The X Factor next year, because he wants some time off.
"I'm taking some time off next year to remind myself who my children are and what their names are," he said at the Children In Need Rocks event in Manchester. He then admitted that it was nice to escape from the dramas of the ITV1 show, saying, "It's been nice to concentrate on something other than The X Factor. We're in a bubble down there. It's been good to leave London. We get so caught up in our own importance." Er, but Gary, The X Factor is very important! And so are you, come to that.
It's not been the easiest of rides for Mr Barlow. After all, he's had to contend with the big-haired debacle that was Frankie Cocozza, not to mention silly rumours about plummeting ratings and reports on in-fighting on the the judging panel. He may have a sharp tongue from time-to-time, but we get the impression that what Gary likes most is the quiet life. Still, he should have realised that was never going to happen when he took on a show like The X Factor.
This weekend the acts will all be performing songs from – or inspired by – the movies. Who are you most looking forward to, and why?