Gary Barlow to quit The X Factor?

Gary Barlow admits he is ''not particularly enjoying'' his role on 'The X Factor', sparking rumours he could be set to quit the ITV1 show.

Gary Barlow is "not particularly enjoying" his role on 'The X Factor'.

The Take That singer - who took over from Simon Cowell as head judge on the ITV1 show earlier this year - admitted he doesn't feel "in control" of the series and has struggled to get his head around the intensity of the competition.

He said in an interview with Esquire magazine: "I've got to get my head around it, learn to enjoy it. It's so intense. All those people out there watching every move you make and analysing it and talking to their friends about it and tweeting and gossiping.

"I think at this point the reason I'm not ¬particularly enjoying it is I don't feel I'm in control of it. Maybe I'll never feel like that. It's a totally bloody new thing for me."

Gary's comments are now sparking rumours that he is set to leave the 'X Factor' at the end of the current season, with insiders claiming his chances of returning next year are "beyond slim".

With ratings plummeting to a four-year low - and currently being beaten by BBC One rival 'Strictly Come Dancing' - show boss Simon Cowell is reportedly keen for at least two of the current judges, also including Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh, to be replaced.

While Tulisa is considered the "most likely" to return, Kelly Rowland could undergo job swap with US 'X Factor' judge Nicole Scherzinger, and Simon is also keen for former panellist Cheryl Cole to resume her role on the show.

An insider told the Daily Mail newspaper: "He's not happy and wants to distance himself from this series, but has no plans for it to carry on like this next year."