This move leaves three vacant seats on the panel and the rumour mill has thrown out plenty of potential names, including former ‘X Factor’ panellists like Rita Ora and Mel B, as well as newbies including Louis Tomlinson, Craig David, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.
But the latest rumour is that not only will Robbie be appointed as a new judge, having been linked with the job on and off for roughly a decade, he’ll be joined on the panel by wife Ayda Field.
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Robbie Williams and Ayda Field
Jon Kopaloff via Getty Images
Yes, if The Mirror is to be believed, ‘Loose Women’ presenter, American soap actress and model Ayda will be mentoring aspiring singers on the latest series of ‘The X Factor’.
Needless to say, fans are a little confused about exactly what Ayda could bring to the show, as despite her marriage to Robbie, her knowledge of the music industry would appear to be… limited:
An insider is quoted as telling The Mirror: “She thinks doing the show with Robbie will be a lot of fun – particularly as she wants to beat her husband at his own game. She can’t wait to get started.”
HuffPost UK has reached out to representatives for Ayda Field and ‘The X Factor’ for clarification.
The upcoming 15th series of ‘The X Factor’ is expected to begin filming later this summer, with open auditions having already taken place across the country.
This year’s first taped auditions are expected to begin recording in the coming weeks, once the news of the panel has been finalised.
'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)