Gary's got the X Factor after Jubilee triumph

Gary's got the X Factor after Jubilee triumph
Gary's got the X Factor after Jubilee triumph (Image credit: PA)

Gary Barlow was all smiles on Wednesday as he arrived for the latest X Factor audition. The Take That star was in Manchester for the second day of auditions in the city as speculation rises he may be given an honour for his work on the spectacular Jubilee Concert. The panel were joined by former Spice Girl Mel B, who opted not to go for the leggy look favoured by many of the guest judges, instead going for khaki satin trousers, matching vest top and heels as she arrived at Manchester's Event City. Regular panellist Tulisa Contostavlos wore a floral mini-dress and towering heels as she took to the red carpet and greeted fans who gathered outside. Gary has won acclaim for his handling of the royal concert which was staged outside Buckingham Palace, with a bill featuring Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Tom Jones, and which featured Madness playing on the palace roof. He said the Monday night show was "the biggest night of my life". "It's going to take something pretty special to top it," he added. There have been reports that he may be recognised officially for his handling of the showpiece event.

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.