Simon Cowell quits new TV series Walk The Line and replaced by Gary Barlow

The music mogul will focus on off-screen duties (Picture: Michael Tran/FilmMagic)

Simon Cowell has taken the decision to step down from his upcoming TV show Walk The Line to spend more time with his family. 

The presenter is set to be replaced by Gary Barlow for new ITV series, The Sun reports. 

The 62-year-old star will instead focus his attention to his off-air role as executive producer instead of appearing on screen.

His decision comes 15 months after having critical back surgery over an injury following an electric bike accident in 2020.

Simon said: ‘This is a situation where I have decided it is right for me to focus on my role as the creator and producer as we build up to the hugely exciting launch.

‘Gary’s musical pedigree is second to none – and we have known each other a long time now – so I am delighted he is picking up the baton for me for the first series of Walk The Line. I know he will do a fantastic job.’

The Take That star previously worked with Simon on The X Factor (Picture: REX)

The series will be hosted by Maya Jama (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hugo Boss UK)

Singer Gary formerly worked with music mogul Simon on the judging panel on The X Factor.

Walk The Line will see a variety of musical acts, solo artists, choirs and bands compete to win the £500,000 grand prize, but there’s a catch: the longer an act stays on, the bigger their prize pot will be as they will then have to compete against a fresh set of musicians.

More: Simon Cowell

The two acts judged the best each week have to decide if they want to take some of the money and leave the competition or walk the line to move on to the next stage.

The new series, which is being hosted by Maya Jama, was announced after it was confirmed that The X Factor was leaving our screens after 17 years.

Walk The Line will debut on ITV later this year.

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