Ayda Field’s inclusion on the new-look ‘X Factor’ judging panel has certainly raised some eyebrows, but she has rushed to defend herself over Simon Cowell’s shock hiring.
Robbie Williams’ wife was officially unveiled as a new judge alongside her husband at a press conference on Tuesday, sparking a backlash from viewers who questioned her credentials, given she does not work in the music industry.
However, according to her, that does not matter as Ayda says she has plenty of experience by watching her husband’s and working as an actress.
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Ayda Field is a new 'X Factor' judge
PA Wire/PA Images
The ‘Loose Women’ panellist said: “I think for me, on a professional level, I’ve auditioned for years.... I know what it’s like to have the stakes high. To put it all out there. I know what it’s like to get the job, I also know what it’s like to lose the job.”
She continued: “I think being with Rob for 12 years... I’ve been every step of the way with him. I have a huge amount of empathy for the process. I know what it takes from creating the songs... to promoting, to live shows. It’s a very emotional process.
“I’m excited to be that rock and that stability and that guidance for my group. And to help some people out, help them achieve their dreams. I’m really excited about that.”
“And as a member of the general public, which I love,” she added. “Because this is about the general public!”
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The new-look 'X Factor' panel
Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment
Chiming in to defend his wife’s position, Robbie added: “Ayda is a member of the public too and they never get it wrong.
“It is fallacy that there’s a magic formula to what makes a pop star. If a member of the public was up here now their opinion would be as valid as her’s.”
Sharon Osbourne will still feature as a judge on the live shows, where she will take up an impartial role on the panel.
The foursome will beging filming auditions on Wednesday at Wembley Arena, with the new series airing in the autumn on ITV.
'X Factor' Judges Through The Years
Series 1-3 (2004-2006)(01 of11)
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The original line-up: Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh (credit:ITV)
Series 4 (2007)(02 of11)
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All change: Dannii Minogue joins Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, with Brian Freidman replacing Louis Walsh.Dermot O'Leary also replaces Kate Thornton as the show's host.
Series 4 (2007)(03 of11)
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The return of the Walsh: Louis makes a comeback after Brian Freidman is axed from the panel after only a few days of auditions.
Series 5-7 (2008-2010)(04 of11)
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The golden era: Cheryl Cole replaces Sharon Osbourne, joining Simon, Dannii and Louis.
Series 8 (2011)(05 of11)
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A mass exodus: Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland join the only original remaining judge, Louis Walsh.
Series 9 (2012)(06 of11)
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Schermazing: Nicole Sherzinger replaces Kelly Rowland, joining Gary, Tulisa and Louis.
Series 10 (2013)(07 of11)
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She's BACK! Sharon Osbourne rejoins the panel after five years, replacing Tulisa and joining Louis, Gary and Nicole. (credit:Rex)
Series 11 (2014)(08 of11)
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REUNITED: Simon and Cheryl return alongside Louis Walsh and new judge Mel B. (credit:Syco/Thames/ITV)
Series 12 (2015)(09 of11)
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Bye bye Louis: Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora replace Louis and Mel, as they join Simon and Cheryl on the panel. Meanwhile, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs step into Dermot's shoes as hosts. (credit:Twitter)
Series 13-14 (2016-17)(10 of11)
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A vintage line-up: Nicole, Louis and Sharon all stage sensational returns to the panel after the departures of Cheryl, Nick and Rita, while Dermot also returns as host. (credit:ITV)
Series 15 (2018)(11 of11)
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WTF?! Louis Tomlinson becomes the first former contestant to join the panel permanently, while Robbie joins the panel alongside his wife and 'Loose Women' panellist Ayda Field. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)