X Factor 2018: Kym Marsh brands Ayda Field 'strange choice' after backlash to new judge
X FACTOR’S announcement of the new judging panel garnered plenty of attention from fans and now Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has waded in following a backlash to Ayda Field’s appointment.
Ayda Field Williams STUNS as she twirls in low cut white dress
The 42-year-old actress, who has played Michelle Connor on the ITV soap since 2006, took to her column in this week’s OK! Magazine to have her say on Ayda’s new job.
“Last weekend it was confirmed that Ayda Field is a judge on The X Factor alongside her husband Robbie Williams,” she wrote.
“I’m sure she’s a lovely person, but I can see why some people are confused that Ayda — who doesn’t have a musical background — is now judging other singers.”
Coronation Street favourite Kym urged X Factor fans to give 39-year-old mother-of-two Ayda a chance.
“She could be a real underdog and you have to give people a chance,” she said. “She might be incredible — we’ll just have to watch this space.”
It’ll be interesting to see how the other singers react to Ayda Field's comments
However, the actress appeared to have her doubts about whether the LA-born actress’ suitability for the judging role.
“It’s still a slightly strange choice and it’ll be interesting to see how the other singers react to her comments,” she admitted.
When some X Factor aficionados questioned why Ayda had been given the job, her chart-topping husband of eight years Robbie, 44, jumped to her defence.
At a press conference last week, he said: “Ayda is my rock.
“She has looked after me though thick and thin and absolutely every career move I’ve made over the last 12 years has been okayed by my wife.
“Ayda’s a member of the general public too,” he justified. “And the general public usually get it right.
“Ayda does know about music but nobody has a formula for what’s going to make a popstar.”
Robbie insisted it shouldn’t matter whether his other half was in the music industry or not.
Ayda also spoke up to oppose the criticism she had faced, saying: “Without me, Rob would be lost.”
The blonde beauty is famous for roles in the likes of US soap Days of Our Lives, Back to You and Paranoid.
Since 2016, she has also been a guest panelist on Loose Women.
The X Factor judges announcement earlier this month revealed three new faces would be joining boss Simon Cowell, 58, on the panel when the long-running talent show returns.
Alongside Ayda and Robbie, One Direction star Louis Tomlinson will also be turning his hand to mentoring.
The 26-year-old boyband superstar first found fame on the series back in 2010, when he entered as a solo singer but was put into a group alongside his future fellow One Direction members.
X Factor is set to return later this year on ITV.
Read Kym Marsh's full column in this week's OK! Magazine - out now.