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Simon Cowell vows to make TV comeback

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT --
Simon Cowell is also a judge on America's Got Talent. (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Simon Cowell has confirmed his break from screens is only temporary after Gary Barlow took over his role on Cowell’s new show Walk The Line.

The new reality competition had been touted as the 62-year-old’s bit comeback to TV, but it has since been confirmed that the Take That star is stepping into the judging chair.

While Cowell is still on board as a producer, he admitted that his decision to take a step back is not part of a bigger plan to retire from our screens.

"It's just this one, just for now," he admitted, speaking to The Mirror on Tuesday on the red carpet of the Together For Short Lives Ball.

He continued: "Sometimes I just like to produce the shows. I just took everything into account and realised this was when I needed to step back.

BERLIN, GERMANY - APRIL 01: Take That singer Gary Barlow during the photocall
Take That singer Gary Barlow (Getty Images)

"I actually enjoy producing rather than being in front of the camera."

Cowell, who has famously had a feud with Barlow ever since the singer-songwriter replaced him as a judge on The X Factor while Cowell was busy launching the show in the US.

Read more: 'The X Factor' winners: Where are they now?

Asked about how the two managed to make up and become collaborators again, Cowell said jokingly: "I've known Gary for 30 years, I'm mad at him when he is on other shows.

"Now he's on my show and I love him."

Craig David is also going to be a judge on the new ITV show.
Craig David is also going to be a judge on the new ITV show.

On Walk The Line, Barlow will be joined by fellow judge Craig David while comedian Dawn French’s involvement is still only rumoured.

Presenting the show will be Maya James, as aspiring singers compete for a £500,000 cash prize.

Read more: The 'X Factor' axed after 17 years

Each week’s champion will be faced with the decision to go home with a smaller pot or keep playing to reach the jackpot but potentially be eliminated by a better act.

The show is set to premiere on ITV but no start date has been announced yet.

Watch: Simon Cowell gives young performer a standing ovation on America's Got Talent