Gary Barlow has made a series of very big promises to X Factor fans.

With the launch of The Voice on BBC this year, it seems that TV viewers are looking for some more credible singers to star in their favourite reality TV shows and the Take That star has assured them that they will not be disappointed.

The dad of three – soon to be four – has told The Daily Star that he and fellow judges Tulisa, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger have made their best efforts to ensure that there are more talented singers, more experienced musicians and less novelty acts on this year’s series of the ITV show.

Gary and co are under an extreme amount of pressure, as Simon Cowell increases his efforts to make sure his show is not beaten by Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings again in 2012.

However, he thinks they have done good in terms of the acts that are through to judges’ houses and explained:

“The level of talent feels a real step up from last year. Allowing musicians to play their instruments has made a massive difference.

“We have a lot more singer-songwriters, a lot more real ­artists. I’m really excited. There are two fantastic groups but on the whole the groups are the weakest.”

It is rumoured that Barlow will be mentoring the older contestants this year, while Louis Walsh gets the groups, Tulisa works with the girls and Nicole coaches the boys.

Unsurprisingly then, Gary thinks the more experienced contestants will shine and added:

“The over-28s are actually very strong this year.

“The talent all round is much stronger but I would ­definitely say the overs and the girls are the stand-out categories.”

Gary can’t put that Celebrity Dad of The Year trophy down!

Louis Walsh backed up his pal and agreed, saying:

“This is the best year ever. There are a lot less karaoke acts and more real singers. We have a lot less novelty acts.”

The X factor will return later this month, with judges houses being filmed in just a few weeks time. Are you excited about the new series? Leave your comments below…