Gary Barlow Joins Blackpool Switch-On Show

X Factor judge Gary Barlow has stepped in to perform at the turning on of the Blackpool Illuminations after The Voice star Danny O'Donoghue and his band pulled out.

The Take That frontman tweeted he was prepared to help organisers save Friday's concert before opening discussions with organisers.

"I hear Blackpool are looking for someone to switch the lights on this year? If they'd write a cheque to Children in need I'd do it?," he wrote.

Chatshow host Jonathan Ross is switching on the famous lights and said he was willing to help Barlow out if he needed to get together some backing singers.

"They need someone to sing. Shall we finally unveil our version of the Pet Shop Boys? The Chip Shop Boys has a ring to it," he said.

Barlow later said he was "rounding up" his band, technicians and production staff, before telling fans: "Blackpool here we come!"

A statement on the Blackpool Illuminations website announced: "With only 48 hours notice, it has been a huge challenge for Blackpool to find a replacement.

"It is with great pleasure that we can now announce that Gary Barlow will be appearing as the headline act for the 2013 switch on concert."

O'Donoghue and Irish rockers The Script said they pulled out of the concert because of "a family matter".

A statement from The Script's management said it was with "deepest regret" that they had to cancel both their Leeds Academy and the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On concert shows "due to a sudden serious family illness".

Other performers over the weekend include Eliza Doolittle and pop veterans Madness.