Gary Barlow 'Disappointed' Cheryl Cole Not X Factor Judge

Take That star and X Factor judge Gary Barlow has said he is “disappointed” that Cheryl Cole won't be joining him on the new series.

It had been reported that the Girls Aloud star would re-join the UK panel after being dropped from X Factor USA, but Kelly Rowland and Tulisa from N-Dubz were confirmed in her place.

Speaking at the X Factor auditions in Birmingham today (June 1), Barlow said he had been in contact with Cole.

"I sent Cheryl some texts just saying 'Sending support'. She's a good friend of mine. I'm disappointed she's gone,” he told the Daily Mirror. "The other two girls are going to be great."

Barlow is juggling his role as an X Factor judge with Take That's current Progress tour.

After Birmingha, the auditions for this year's X Factor continue to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.

X Factor Auditions