FANS RUBBISH X FACTOR LINE-UP
SIMON Cowell’s under-fire X Factor line-up is believed to have cost a whopping £20million – the most expensive in TV history.
ITV splashed the cash in a bid to boost the show’s falling viewing figures.
But the multi-million pound gamble could end in disaster after fans ridiculed the new panel. According to insiders, Robbie Williams, 44, and his wife Ayda Field, 39, will together bank £10m.
One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, 26, is believed to be on more than £3m. Host Dermot O’Leary, 45, is also believed to have landed a pay rise. Show boss Cowell takes home an estimated £5m for his judging duties as well as a share of the show’s profits.
Speaking at the press launch Cowell, 58, said he “couldn’t do any more” to turn around the competition’s fortunes. He said he believed it was the strongest panel of judges ever.
Fans of Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson took to social media to praise the line-up.
But others ridiculed the choices, with relatively unknown US actress Ayda receiving most of the criticism. One wrote: “I cannot believe Simon axed Nicole Scherzinger for Ayda Field.” Another disgruntled fan posted: “X Factor has been a sinking ship for some years. By hiring that line-up Simon has just sealed the lid on the coffin.”
Robbie defended his wife’s place on the panel, crediting her with saving his career. Ayda said she was more determined than ever to prove doubters wrong.
But an X Factor insider said: “People don’t know much about Ayda, so she is an easy target. She’s smart, opinionated and very witty.”