Gary Barlow last night confirmed that he will be leaving The X Factor at the end of the current series.
The Take That star [uuid=0160bf2a-3ef1-4f76-8215-f7d2ccb57555]was claimed last week[/uuid] by Radio 2 DJ pal Chris Evans to have said he'd be quitting, and GB himself ended the speculation during yesterday's show.
Commenting on Rough Copy's performance, he said: "I've been here for three years and I'm so glad that for my last year on the show I get to mentor you guys."
And a statement was later issued on the Twitter account of his publicity firm DawBell.
It read: "I've had an amazing time on X Factor these past three years. A show like this needs to stay fresh and exciting... so it's a great opportunity for someone to come in and take the show past its incredible ten year anniversary.
"Next year is looking to be a busy year for me & XF is a full time job so it felt like the right time to hand over the baton. I've loved being a part of the show and have met and worked with some fantastic people
"But most importantly, more than ever, I want to go out with the winning act this year. Come on the groups!"

Shelley Smith last night became the first act to lose out in the Flash Vote, when it was revealed that she had polled the fewest votes in a short window of calls after everyone had performed.
She will compete in the sing-off tomorrow against whichever other act records the lowest number of votes by the time of the show.

[uuid=432c09ff-2679-4dc0-9fb4-f15941bc5f99]SEE PICS FROM THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR[/uuid]

[uuid=1bed7ae5-bf56-4aad-a24a-8baae48692d9]SEE PICS FROM THE X FACTOR 2013[/uuid]