Take That star Gary Barlow has been “confirmed” as a judge on the new series of The X Factor, according to reports.

The singer will take the place of Simon Cowell, who is fronting the show in the United States.

Cowell, who spoke to reporters as he arrived for filming of the US show, said: “Gary Barlow is the first person confirmed.”

It is thought Barlow will be joined by returning judges Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh on the ITV1 show.

He will have to fit in filming between dates on Take That's sell-out Progress Live 2011 tour, which begins on May 27 at Sunderland's Stadium Of Light.

The reformed boyband, complete with Robbie Williams, played at last year's X Factor grand final.