Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson will join Simon Cowell on the new-look X Factor judging panel.
Robbie has sold more than 75 million albums over his career and won 18 BRIT Awards - more than any other artist in history.
Ayda Williams - actress, presenter and wife to Robbie for eight years - will be competing with her husband to claim the winning spot on this year’s show. It is the first time on The X Factor UK that a husband and wife have been judges.
Louis is the first judge to have also been a contestant on the show. As a member of One Direction he has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and achieved more than 100 global No1s.
Music mogul and show creator Simon has been the mastermind behind some of the music industry’s biggest acts from Leona Lewis and One Direction to Little Mix and James Arthur.
Backstage with the BRAND NEW #XFactor Judges @Louis_Tomlinson @robbiewilliams and Ayda Williams!!!🤩🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/o1J1P5yZdw
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) July 17, 2018
Simon said: “This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star. The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I’m excited.”
Robbie said: “For nearly 30 years I’ve been touring. I’ve been wanting to branch out and The X Factor felt like the perfect vehicle. Ayda is my rock, she’s looked after me through thick and thin. I’m looking forward to getting started as a judge!”
Ayda said: “On a professional level I’ve auditioned for years so I know the highs and lows. I know what it takes to help people achieve their dreams. It’s all about the auditionees, it’s an organic process. The fact I get to work with Rob and against him is fantastic!”
Louis said: “The X Factor for me made a lot of sense. Development of artists is something I’ve been interested in for a long time. Having been on the show myself I know first-hand that the live shows are like nothing else you would experience. I’m looking forward to guiding auditonees through the process.”
Sharon Osbourne will also return as a judge for The X Factor’s live shows while Dermot O’Leary is back as presenter.
The X Factor returns to TV3 this Autumn.
