Gary Barlow will quit 'The X Factor' to focus on Take That.
The star is reportedly set to leave his role as a judge on the TV talent show so he can concentrate on his own music career.
After recently signing a £1.5 million deal to stay on the panel for the upcoming series, it seems this will be the singer's final year.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Gary's a decent bloke and figured it was best to lay his cards on the table as early as possible.
"He wants to get back to what he does best, recording a new Take That album and touring with his band mates.
"It looks like there's no room for 'X Factor' so this is likely to be his last year."
Although show bosses are likely to offer Gary, 42, a way to juggle both, it is unlikely he will be staying with fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne after the current run.
The source said: "The producers always feared his day job would get in the way and they're delighted they've had him for three years.
"I'm sure they'll present Gary with a plan that could see him do both - they moved auditions in 2010 to allow him to meet his gig commitments - but they know three years on 'X Factor' is likely to be enough for him."
While a spokesman for the 'Shine' hitmaker insisted he hasn't yet made a decision, reports of his impending departure could pave the way for a sensational return for the show's creator Simon Cowell.
A TV insider said: "ITV desperately want him back on 'The X Factor'. They hate the fact that their biggest show is missing its biggest draw."
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