X Factor 2018: Robbie Williams reveals the REAL reason why he joined the panel this year
X FACTOR 2018 is due to begins its new series on ITV this weekend with a brand new judging panel. In the lead up to the premiere, judge Robbie Williams has now revealed why he signed up this year.
Lorraine: Robbie Williams reveals why he joined the X Factor
Robbie 44, is one of the three new judges set to grace the panel alongside Simon Cowell, 58, having been asked for years to be a judge on the X Factor.
The pop icon will be joined by his wife Ayda Field , 39, and One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, 26, in a major show shake up.
However, Robbie has now revealed that this was the year to join the judging panel as his wife would be sat alongside him.
“Genuinely it was the Ayda card, genuinely,” Robbie explained.
I was like that makes complete sense - I'm totally in
It’s no secret that Simon has been trying to secure Robbie’s spot on the panel for many years, with the pop singer playing several performances during the live show stage.
The pop star has a huge catalogue of music experience behind him, having been one of the original members of boyband Take That.
Fellow bandmate Gary Barlow, 47, has also appeared on the judging panel acting as Simon’s replacement for two series from 2011-2013.
Speaking in an interview with Lorraine which is due to air in full Friday 31st August, Robbie explained that working with his wife gave him the motive to sign up this year.
“You know, I thought about doing it often but I have been really really busy with my own career, and then Ayda got a call in the car from Nigel the producer of the show and said do you think Rob will do it if you do it too?
“And instantly, I was like that makes complete sense - I'm totally in,” Robbie explained.
The music icon also revealed: “Do you know the amazing thing is, since starting to do the show, I can't believe I haven't done it before!”
One Direction star Louis isn’t a stranger to the role of a judge however, appearing at the judges houses stage of the competition alongside Simon in 2015.
Ayda is completely new to judging having come from an acting background and has received huge backlash from fans of the ITV singing contest.
Defending her position at the launch of the show in July, Ayda told the press: “I was surprised and excited. On a professional level I’ve auditioned for years.
“I know what it’s like to get the job and I know what it’s like to lose the job,” the actress revealed.
Ayda went on to joke about her husband's involvement, adding: “I have a huge amount of empathy for the process. Without me, Robbie would be lost.”
The panel has changed numerous times over the years with pop stars and radio hosts sitting as judges.
Nicole Scherzinger, 40, sat as a judge on last years panel but will not be returning this year. Long term judge Louis Walsh, 66, will not be returning to the panel announcing his departure from the show earlier this year after 13 years on the X Factor.
However Sharon Osbourne, 65, will be making an appearance this year following on from her main judging role last year.
The music manager will be included during the live show stage as a judge alongside the other four.
The X Factor returns Saturday at 8pm on ITV.