Barlow: Sharon having a positive effect on everybody

Gary Barlow enjoys 'The X Factor' more now that Sharon Osbourne is a judge again.

The 'Talk' host returned to the judging panel of the show this series, replacing Tulisa Contostavlos, and the Take That frontman says she has had a "positive" impact on the panel - which also includes Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger - and he is having a lot more fun this year.

He said: "These things can be difficult because you've got four people doing a job on a panel and you bring someone new in and it transforms the whole vibe of the show.

"But she has had a positive effect on everybody and I think for the first time ever, I'm really looking forward to the live shows because it's going to be a hoot.

"It will probably be competitive, but in a nicer way than it's been before. I'm looking forward to it."

Barlow is mentoring the Groups this year and is determined one of his acts will take the crown - but Osbourne is equally convinced she has the winning act in her Overs category.

Barlow added to OK! Magazine: "I want to win! I would really love to win.

"I've had a couple of finalists, but not a winner.

"But there is a long way to go yet. Sharon thinks she's got the winner. She really, really does believe it."