Gary Barlow didn't "feel finished" as an X Factor UK judge after wrapping on last year's show.

The Take That star sits on the panel alongside Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and newly-appointed Sharon Osbourne.

Barlow and his wife tragically lost their child last year after fourth child Poppy was stillborn. The singer found it hard to focus on his TV duties, so is glad he's back for his third year.

Speaking to British newspaper The Mirror, he said: “There was something about last year. I didn’t feel finished. It was a strange show. The first year was all about the learning and I love that. I’m 43 now and to be able to learn new skills at that sort of age doesn’t really come about that often. I was really into it.

He added: “Last year it was a bit different. I’d had a personal thing which took me out of the whole space of the show. By the time I’d got back into it, it had left me. And I felt that the studios were quite dark, everyone was very competitive. So when the show finished I was like, I don’t want this to be my last year.”

Osbourne replaced Tulisa Contostavlos on the judging panel. Barlow loves having the outspoken star around.

He explained: "I’m quite new to TV. It’s interesting watching Mrs O. She just turns up and you’re getting what she is, but it’s hard to be like that on TV.

He continued: “We’re protected so much as artists. I’ve had years of having 10 people stood round me. Then when we come on this show we’re fair game for everybody. There’s nowhere to hide. We get loved and hated all in the first five minutes, so you’ve just got to let your guard down and be part of it. She has helped me with that. It’s different to being on stage where I can sing, which I’ve done all my life.”