Gary and Elton will perform new single "Face to Face" on the show, which is taken from Gary's brilliant new solo album "Since I Last You Last." The album sold over 200,000 copies in it's first week to chart at number two in the UK. Huge sales indicating it could achieve 1m sales by Christmas.

Speaking to me about the X Factor final, Gary told me "The X Factor have always wanted Elton on their show and so it felt like the perfect time. It's my last evening, it's Elton John, me doing our duet and it feels like going to be a great end to the year."

But what about Elton's previous criticism of the show and the reality format? "Yeah, I've heard that he always criticised the show. You know, Elton is old school, you know. His belief is that for all artists you should go out and gig for five years before you even dream of getting a record deal. And I think a lot of people's view on the show is that they just walk onto the stage and make it overnight when actually when you look into these bands, they have done lots go gigs. Rough Copy have been a band for five years, so they've paid their dues, this is the road they wanted to choose as an angle to get out there and see people and it doesn't make it wrong that."

Gary also talked to me about his forthcoming UK tour dates, working with Robbie Williams and plans to make a new Take That album. "We haven't started that yet but it's always one of those things where you need to put your head in that place and my head is very much in my solo record and X Factor at the moment but I'll start the new year with my TT head on"

Listen to Gary Barlow talking to me about 'Since I Saw You Last' here...