Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Prove Popular As New X Factor Judges

Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland’s role as the new X Factor judges has been praised by fans of the talent show.

The trio joined long-standing judge Louis Walsh on the new series of the programme, which began last night (August 20).

Take That’s Barlow was singled out for acclaim as he assumed Simon Cowell’s role as Mr Nasty.

On user on Twitter said: “Simon is irreplaceable. However, I'm surprised at how good Gary is. Blunt and funny, I like it!”

Rowland, a former member of Destiny’s Child, was described as “amazing” by another user.

The series, which is currently in the audition phase, continues next weekend on ITV1.