Gary Barlow `disappointed` about Cheryl Cole`s X Factor exit

X Factor judge Gary Barlow is 'disappointed' that Cheryl Cole is no longer part of the talent competition.

Last year's female judges - Cole, 27, and Dannii Minogue, 39 - have both been replaced, with Tulisa Contostavlos and Kelly Rowland.

And Barlow admits he would love to have worked with the Girls Aloud star.

According to British newspaper the Daily Mirror, the 40 year-old said: 'I sent Cheryl some texts just saying 'Sending support'. She's a good friend of mine. I'm disappointed that she's gone.

'The other two girls are going to be great.'

But Barlow is not sure Simon Cowell, 51, will be missed as much.

He joked: 'It was time he went anyway, he's been on it too much.'