Following endless rumours of a ‘feud’ between the pair, the music mogul, 62, has finally spoken publicly about claims he doesn’t get along with the Take That star, 50.
Speaking to The Mirror on the red carpet for the Together For Short Lives ball on Tuesday, the record label manager revealed the truth behind speculation that he dislikes Gary.
When asked who reached out the olive branch first, in true Simon style, he said: ‘I’ve known Gary for 30 years, I’m mad at him when he is on other shows.
‘Now he’s on my show and I love him.’
Speculation of a feud began in 2011 when Gary replaced Simon on The X Factor UK judging panel, while the BGT judge launched the show in the US.
Gary was said to be raging after comments were made about him in Tom Bower’s biography of Simon, titled Sweet Revenge.
Written with Simon’s blessing, the book described the Patience’s singer’s performances on the show as ‘wooden.’
Now, putting ‘whatever I said, whatever I did, I didn’t mean it’ into practice, the pair are moving on and hoping to create the next big talent show together.
Gary will sit alongside Craig David, Mabel, and the newly announced Dawn French and Alesha Dixon on the judging panel, after Simon stepped down to spend more time with his family.
He will now work off-screen as an executive producer, telling The Sun he is ‘delighted’ that Gary is ‘picking up the baton.’
‘I know he will do a fantastic job,’ he said.
Hosted by Maya Jama, the show will see aspiring singers compete for an eye-watering £500,000 prize, however, there’s a twist.
The longer an act stays in the show, the bigger their prize pot will be.
Soloists, bands and choirs will then have to compete against a fresh set of musicians.
Reps for Gary Barlow refused to comment.
Walk The Line will air on ITV later this year.
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