First News managed to grab some time with the new Simon Cowell on The X Factor judging panel – Take That’s Gary Barlow. We wanted to find out as much X Factor gossip as possible and which category he would like to mentor...

Why did you decide to take on the role as a judge on this year’s The X Factor?

It always comes back to the talent for me. I wanted to be part of that process of finding a star. You can be sat through four hours of auditions and nobody grabs your attention and, then, that one star walks out on stage and it reminds me of why I’m here judging. It’s kind of sweet for me. I’ve just played all these dates on this tour, the biggest tour we’ve done, and it’ll be nice for me to spend the next six months of the year finding the next big star.

How have you found the experience so far?

So far I’ve found judging very interesting. I’d always watched The X Factor and wondered how the auditions were done so it’s been fascinating to sit on the panel and be part of them. I just find it really, really interesting. Every time someone walks on stage it’s something completely different from the last person, so the variety is immense and there’s not any point during the day where I think I’ve had enough of this now.

How is the new judging panel working?

I think the new judge line-up is going really well and working well. I’m really enjoying everyone’s company. I hope viewers like the new line-up. It’s totally different from the last one.

Does watching the contestants take you back to when you were starting out in the music industry?

The very young constestants definitely take me back to when I was starting out in the music industry. They bound on to the stage, full of energy, and it really reminds me of my teenage years. They come on and they are so excited and it’s great when you get good ones because you know that you could help them onto the next stage of their career. It’s a really good feeling.

What will you bring as a judge?

Louis has already proved himself as the longest standing judge on The X Factor, so I’m aware all eyes will be on the new judges to see what we’ll bring to the table. I just want to be here to help people and I want them to be able to look up to me and be able to say to me: “Tell me, do I do this or this?” I suppose in terms of who they could have picked to be new judges alongside Louis, there’s no-one more valid than me, Kelly and Tulisa because we’re out there doing it right now. We’re selling tickets, selling records, and we’re out there doing what these guys want to be doing.

Are you quite honest with the hopefuls?

I don’t think it’s about dashing people’s hopes. It’s about being real with them.But, if I’ve disliked a performance, I’ve told them that I didn’t really enjoy it very much. We have to be real with them.

Which cities have stood out to you for talent?

Liverpool and Manchester have been the stand out cities for me. I think the fact the show has never done auditions in Liverpool before has really brought out the best talent. Overall, there have been about ten acts which have really stood out for me.

What are you looking for in the acts?

They have to have a really good voice because, without that, it’s hard to think where they’d go. And they need to have the passion, the personality and the stage presence. I’m really looking for the overall package but, basically, if someone came on stage and just had an amazing voice and they just keep their eyes shut, that’s enough for me. I think over the next few months we could train the rest into them.

Which category would you like to mentor?

I’d like to mentor the boys. I think there’re lots and lots of strong contenders in the boys’ category this year.