Gary Barlow has confirmed that Take That will begin writing their next record in early 2014.

The pop group's last album came in the shape of 2010's 'Progress', which has gone eight times platinum in the UK.

The soon to be departing X Factor judge revealed to the Mirror that he is quitting the TV talent show at the end of its current series to focus his time on the boyband. Barlow said:

"The main reason I've decided to step away from X Factor is to focus on Take That, definitely. I see Take That as my main job, so it comes first. If the band are doing something then everything else moves to one side."

He added: "I haven't written any songs with Take That yet - we're literally going to start in January. We'll get together and talk about what we're doing and where we are. We'll ask, 'What's happening in music, where shall we go from here?'."

Speaking about the style of Take That's next release, Barlow said: "We don't usually go too far from our own direction but it'll be big and dramatic - orchestral. I think it'll be anticipated. By next Christmas it'll have been four years since our last record - we can't wait."

It is unclear, however, if Robbie Williams will take part in the new album.