The X Factor’s new-look judging panel

New judges Robbie Williams, his ‘terrifying’ wife ayda and louis tomlinson on their intense competition with boss simon Cowell…

The X Factor saturday, sunday / itv / 8Pm

Saturday nights are about to get X-tra exciting as The X Factor returns this week with a new-look judging panel that barely needs introduction.

Sitting alongside show boss Simon Cowell this time are multimillion-selling recording artist and former Take That star Robbie Williams, Loose Women panellist – and Robbie’s wife – Ayda Field Williams, and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.

‘We’ve tried to get Robbie on every show we’ve ever made in 18 years and Ayda interviewed me in LA and it was just the funniest interview; together they are insane,’ says Simon, 58. ‘Louis has been a contestant on the show and he’s really talented. I think all the boxes have been ticked and I’m excited.’

As the auditions get underway at London’s Wembley Arena, Robbie, 44, Ayda, 39, and Louis, 26, tell us why they can’t wait to find stars…

Robbie, why did you want to join The X Factor panel this year? Robbie: There are literally millions of reasons to be on the panel, ha ha! The biggest for me is to find talent. I’ve done tour, promo, tour, promo for 30 years – five albums with Take That and 12 albums of my own – now it’s time to start something different. Ayda’s been my rock for 12 years; she’s looked after me through thick and thin. It will be interesting for people to see us together.

Ayda, you’re not from a musical background. Do you think you are the underdog?

Ayda: I’ve had enough experience with Rob’s career and my own career to make a difference to these contestants. I’ve auditioned for things for years and I’ve been through all the highs and lows, so I have a huge amount of empathy for them. If it wasn’t a challenge it wouldn’t be as much fun, so I’m happy to be the underdog. And the fact Rob and I get to work together – and against each other – is cute.

The underdog is coming to take the prize Ayda field Williams

How competitive are you both? Robbie: Extremely. I’m more competitive than she is.

Ayda: He gets competitive reading bedtime stories to our kids!

Louis, you found fame on The X Factor with One Direction in 2010. What’s it like sitting on the panel, having been on that stage? Louis: On the first day it was as surreal for me as the contestants auditioning. Having done the show myself, I can empathise. I think it’s important that these singers have someone who’s been through the process who can tell them, ‘It’s all gonna be alright!’. Are you all getting on with Simon? Ayda: We’ve started to pick up on Simon’s game. If we say something smart, Simon repeats it and knows his version will make the edit. Louis and I refer to each other as the good people on the panel. We’re bookended by two Doctor Evils!

How’s the talent this year? Robbie: We’ve got a very strong show, from the silliness to the whimsy, to the actual gold-plated talent. I am finding that, with the auditions, the thing that’s worse than being terrible is being average. You see a lot of average. But I can also happily say I’ve been blown away more than a few times.

Robbie, your Take That band mate Gary Barlow was a judge on the show from 2011 to 2013. Will you be asking for tips? Robbie: When Gary was on the show I was jealous. Then when

I saw him do incredibly well, I was even more jealous because he did a great job being a judge. If there’s anybody’s ear I’m going to bend, it’s his.

And Louis, have the 1D boys been in touch since you landed this job?

Louis: I got a couple texts from the lads, yeah. I’m sure between ’em they’ll be fighting for that seat at Judges’ Houses, so we’ll see about that.

How confident are each of you about winning?

Robbie: Give me any category and I’m confident I can win!

Louis: I’m really competitive! It was only during the last few days of auditions it dawned on me that this is a competition and I’d like to win! Ayda: My message to the other judges is: ‘Watch out! I’m coming for you like a hungry wolf, don’t underestimate me.’ The boys think they’ve got it because they were in Take That or One Direction or because they have been running the show for 20 years. No, the underdog is coming to take the prize!

The X Factor is previewed On PAGES 36-37