Gary Barlow 'nervous' about X Factor ratings this year

Take That's Gary Barlow is a judge on the eighth series of the X Factor

Gary Barlow has said he's "nervous" about the audience ratings ahead of the new series of The X Factor.

The Take That man has joined new judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland following the departure of Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell.

Speaking to Newsbeat he said: "I feel like X Factor is one of those shows that people are waiting to jump on, to do it down.

"Everyone will be watching ratings very closely."

'Positive' change

Barlow joined his new colleagues for the launch of the eight series of X Factor yesterday (17 August) in London.

"I hope the change is a positive one," said the 40-year-old, referring to the change to the panel.

"There are many reasons I've done this show.

"The main one is to make a difference and do something which hadn't been done yet.

"We're going to be going to every contestant and making them what they want to be.

"We're not giving them one size fits all but mentoring them like they've never seen mentoring before on the X Factor."

The X Factor starts this Saturday (20 August) at 8pm on ITV1