Gary Barlow 'Glad' Tulisa Axed From X Factor

Gary Barlow has admitted that he is "glad" Tulisa Contostavlos was cut from the judging panel of this year’s The X Factor.

The Take That singer, who accused T of having "fag ash breath" on last year's show, said that Sharon Osbourne was a breath of fresh air in more ways than one.

Asked if he prefers this year's judging panel, Barlow told Digital Spy: "Definitely, 100%. Sharon's breath is much better! Whatever is going on with every individual judge it affects the whole panel.

"When someone's not comfortable or someone's not happy it affects everybody. I was almost glad for it to end last year so when I heard Sharon was coming back I was relieved.

"I didn't get the impression Tulisa wanted to come back. Sharon's just so relaxed and it's taught me not to be too serious. We're having so much fun."

Veteran judge Louis Walsh added: "If I'm honest the atmosphere is much better. Sharon has brought something extra to the show, she is fun and feisty. I'm still in touch with Tulisa, she doesn't always text me back because she is in Ibiza. She lost her way but she is a good person."

The 10th series of The X Factor returned to ITV last night.

Nicole Scherzinger revealed that this year's bootcamp process will be "totally changed".

SEE PICS FROM THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR

SEE SEXY SNAPS OF NICOLE SCHERZINGER HERE!