Gary Barlow has revealed that he was surprised James Arthur reigned supreme on the last series of the X Factor.

However, it wasn't because of any lack of talent - it was because the public voted for a singer like Arthur.

The judge revealed the admission ahead of this year's series, which sees Sharon Osbourne return as a judge.

Barlow said: "I was quite shocked that James Arthur won last time, not because he wasn't the best but because he is the best and was the best. I assumed a TV voting audience wouldn't vote for someone like that and they did, it really shows me that the right person will win this competition each time."

He concluded: "I don't believe a novelty act will ever win this competition because when it comes down to it, I do actually believe in the people that are voting to choose the right person."

This year's X Factor meanwhile will air in the UK from Saturday (August 31).