Simon Cowell will step down as host of the ITV musical-game show Walk The Line.
Gary Barlow, who he believes ‘will do an amazing job’, will replace the music mogul, 62.
The anticipated six-part series will air in the latter part of the year. This series will give musical variety acts the chance to win a life-changing sum.
Change-up Simon Cowell will step down as a Walk The Line judge and be replaced with Gary Barlow (the music mogul pictured April 2021).
According to reports in The Sun, Simon’s decision to step down comes with hopes he will be able to spend more time with his partner Lauren Silverman and their seven-year-old son Eric.
Simon will assume the role of executive producer despite not appearing onscreen, a contrast to what audiences in the UK and USA have come to expect over the past 20 years.
The entrepreneur stated to the publication that he had decided to concentrate on his role of Creator and Producer in the buildup to the highly exciting launch.
Former co-judges Simon said about Gary Barlow: “I am delighted he’s picking up the baton. For the first series Walk The Line.” (Gary pictured right, X Factor judging panel 2011, 2011)
‘Gary’s musical pedigree is second to none – and we have known each other a long time now – so I am delighted he is picking up the baton for me for the first series of Walk The Line. I know he will do an amazing job.
Simon and Take That’s singer previously worked together in the UK version of X Factor.
Gary stated in an official statement that it was an honor to be involved.
Recovering: In August 2020, Simon was involved in a electric bike accident at his Malibu home which resulted in him breaking his back
Simon was injured in an electric bike accident at Malibu’s Malibu home in August 2020.
He was forced to undergo a six-hour surgery to try and fix the injuries.
In February, the TV celebrity said in an interview that she knew she had broken her back as soon as she landed. It was very, really sudden and it hurt.
He said, “When I saw the Xray, I almost could have smashed the spine to pieces, so that I literally wouldn’t have been able walk.”
Simon also spoke out about being supported by Lauren, Eric and others: “I couldn’t get through it without them. So we got closer.”
According to The Sun, Simon was a workaholic and has been involved in Walk The Line since the beginning. However, his health, along with lockdown and other upheavals, were additional factors in his decision not to back down.
Maya Jama has confirmed Walk The Line as the host. Craig David (pictured) and Mabel (pictured), are rumoured partners with Gary on judging panel
‘He’s just finished an exceptionally busy period filming which saw him spending an extended period of time away from home, so he also wants to devote more time to his family in the coming weeks,’ the source further explained.
Walk The Line will be hosted and hosted by Maya Jama. Craig David, Mabel, and Gary are rumoured to be joining forces on the judging panels.
ITV has backed Simon’s decision and stated that they are ‘delighted’ to have Gary aboard and ‘understand’ and support the former judge’s decision.
Reaction: ITV have backed Simon’s decision, saying they are ‘delighted’ to have Gary on board and ‘understand and support’ the former judge’s choice (Simon pictured in 2018)