It wasn't not being famous any more, or even not being a recording artist. It was having nobody who needed me, no phones ringing, nothing to do. Because I'm still too young to do nothing. I was only 24 when all that happened. Now, at 40, I feel I've got more to give than I ever have.

In January 2011 Barlow held a special show named GB40 at Shepherd's Bush Empire to celebrate his 40th birthday. Barlow's performance was praised by critics as he returned to Hyde Park as a solo artist for the first time since 1999. Barlow guided Christopher Maloney to the final of the show becoming Barlow's second X Factor finalist in consecutive years.

He is frontman and lead vocalist of British pop-group Take That and serves as head judge on the The X Factor. He was appointed an OBE in 2012 for services to the music industry and charity. Barlow is one of Britain's most successful songwriters having written thirteen Number 1 singles.