As expected given the personal circumstances, Gary Barlow was not present at today's X Factor Press Launch at the Corinthia Hotel. Tulisa and Nicole did their best to distract from that fact by having their bottoms photographed in tight dresses.
A source speaking to The Sun said: "Gary is in no fit state to do it, as all his fans understand."
It'll come as little surprise then that he's has also understandably cancelled his trip to the Judges' Houses. He was due to fly to Majorca to select the acts for the live finals but has "chosen to stay in Britain to comfort wife Dawn." He will instead film Judges' Houses a little closer to home.
The Sun's source added: "The Majorca plan has been ditched. Gary is in no fit state to be out of the country. Everyone is completely behind whatever he wants to do. He has said that he will stick to the planned September 10 and 11 dates but now we are looking for a suitable venue near London."
As last year, Gary will be joined by Robbie Williams, and his new muscles. Tinie Tempah and 50 Cent are both rumoured to be in the running for Tulisa's second set of ears at her Judges' House, while Nicole Scherzinger has Ne-Yo... Louis, as ever, will have a random Westlifer or Sharon Osbourne. Or Sinitta.
The X Factor starts on UTV and TV3 this coming Saturday at 8pm.
P.S. Tulisa, again, banana hued hair is not your friend.
