Gary Barlow will replace Simon Cowell on new show Walk The Line

It had looked like Simon Cowell was about to make his big comeback to UK TV screens with his hugely-anticipated new talent show Walk The Line, which is due out in the coming weeks.

However, following the news that Maya Jama will host the new show, and rumours that Craig David has joined the judging panel, it now looks like 62-year-old Simon won't actually appear on his new project.

In a statement released to the press, Simon is keen to take on more of a creative/producer role, rather than appearing on the panel, as well as wanting to spend more time with his partner Lauren Silverman and his adorable son Eric.

ITV have now confirmed Take That singer and former X Factor judge Gary Barlow will take over from Simon on the judging panel.

Speaking about deciding not to appear on the show, Simon said: "This is a situation where I have decided it is right for me to focus on my role as the creator and producer as we build up to the hugely exciting launch of the first series of our new show, Walk The Line.

"On that basis, I am thrilled that Gary is joining the panel. 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 a fantastic job."

After the programme was announced earlier this year, it was later revealed that Maya Jama will host the show, with the 27-year-old writing on social media at the time: 'If someone said to me, describe your dream job. It would be this! I literally couldn’t be more excited to be working with Syco, Lifted Entertainment and the incredible team at ITV on Walk The Line.'

The brand new series, which will replace The X Factor's usual slot on ITV, will allow musical variety acts the chance to win a life changing amount of money, but in a plot twist from traditional TV talent shows, on Walk The Line, talent alone isn't enough to win the money.

ITV say of the show's format: "The top two performers of the evening then face a nail-biting decision in their bid to be crowned champion - to either ‘cash out’ with a tempting cash prize, or Walk The Line and play on. Should they stay in and top the leaderboard, they will then progress to the next show, facing a different cast of performers.

"The longer the performers can stay in the contest, the bigger the prize pot, with a high stake ‘stay or play’ moment at the end of each show. Each night, the reigning champion will be offered an even higher cash out prize - will they take the money and leave the competition, or Walk The Line and bet on themselves…?"

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No further details are yet to be revealed about Walk The Line, but the show is due to arrive before Christmas.

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• walk the line
• Simon Cowell
• Gary Barlow