Judge Robbie gets special deal
X FACTOR chiefs are giving Robbie Williams “special treatment” in a bid to secure him for the new series. Producers are so keen to have him on the panel they have already agreed to a string of demands.
When Robbie, 44, was first approached about the show, he declared he would only do it if his wife Ayda Field could also be a judge.
Boss Simon Cowell agreed to the idea despite her being known mainly for her acting and having no music experience.
Meanwhile, plans for the arena auditions were completely changed to suit Robbie’s schedule. Originally heats were set to take place in London and Liverpool.
But in order to make it possible for him to join the show, they scrapped all Liverpool dates.
A show insider said: “The X
Factor is all about Robbie this year. Producers are basically doing whatever it takes to make it work and whatever they can to keep him happy.
“They know he has a massive fanbase and will be a fantastic judge.”
X Factor ratings hit an all-time low last year as the show failed to compete with BBC rival Strictly. Bosses have since overhauled the panel by ditching both Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger.
A TV insider said: “X Factor’s execs know the show is struggling but they think Robbie could be the answer. He has a massive fanbase so they reckon he could help the show get back to its former glories.”
Robbie and Ayda will sit alongside Simon when the series returns in the autumn. Producers are in the final stages of choosing another new judge, with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson looking likely.
During the live shows Sharon Osbourne will return to be a fifth panelist.
Bosses are due to confirm the full line-up within the next month.
Dermot O’Leary is expected to return as host.