Simon Cowell 'considered firing' Gary Barlow from The X Factor

Gary Barlow's spot in this year's X Factor judging panel may be secure now, but when the Take That singer started on the television talent show last year, he reportedly came very close to being fired by the show's big boss, Simon Cowell.

Journalist Tom Bower reveals in his unauthorised biography of Simon Cowell, which is named Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life Of Simon Cowell, that Simon found Gary to be 'too scripted' and 'boring' in early episodes of the show.

The book also claims that Simon considered replacing Gary with a record industry executive and Simon is reported as saying: "I need someone who naturally understands production and the music business."

Tom Bower writes that in the end, Simon became more confident of Gary's abilities as a judge and said: "At first Gary appeared to be a bit stiff. But he grew in confidence and stature. I was nervous about the panel full stop at first - but I've now re-signed them all."

Simon responded to the reports surrounding the book on Twitter and tweeted saying; "This book is not written by me. It is unauthorised. The writer is Tom Bower."

We're just happy that Gary Barlow will be back on our screens for the X Factor this year!