Take That star Mark Owen is in talks to join The Voice UK, in competition with bandmate Gary Barlow on The X Factor! According to the Daily Star Sunday, BBC bosses want the man band singer to join the panel alongside Jessie J.


“Getting Mark to sign up would be a huge scoop for The Voice,” a source told the newspaper. “The format has been a ­massive success in America and the BBC are determined to make sure they get the highest quality of judges possible.

“Gary has been a big hit on X Factor and Beeb bosses love the idea of ­getting one of his bandmates to go head-to-head against him on a rival show.”

The new series – which sees contestants perform to judges who have their backs to the stage – will start on BBC One in the new year.


Only Jessie J has signed up for the show, with three more musical coaches to be announced over the coming months. Rumours have included Aussie pop princess Kylie, Welsh crooner Tom Jones and former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.

“Ideally producers want a huge international name but they also want a home-grown megastar,” the insider added. “Although Jessie J is big right now, she’s relatively new.

“Mark is perfect because he’s not only had a hugely successful 20-year career, he’s also relevant now. And signing him up to be a rival to Gary is even more of an ­incentive.”