Robbie Williams’ dad Pete joined X Factor panel during live auditions alongside daughter-in-law Ayda Field
ROBBIE WILLIAMS has already made his new job a family affair by insisting his wife join him on the X Factor panel.
Now the incoming judge is staging a takeover — by getting his dad, Pete Conway, involved too.
Former Take That star Robbie let his old man, who was in the audience during last week’s live auditions, try out his seat alongside daughter-in-law Ayda Field.
And the cheeky singer took the opportunity to take a rest — sitting with the Wembley Arena audience.
A TV insider said: “Onlookers couldn’t believe it when Robbie just got out of his judge’s chair and plonked himself among them.
“Even more surprising was just how good his dad was as a judge — but then he is an entertainer too, so he knows talent when he sees it and he can work a crowd.
“There must be something in the Williams’ blood that makes them a natural when they’re in the spotlight.”
It may have been Pete’s debut as a judge and, pictured, we’ve imagined how he might have looked on the panel alongside Simon Cowell.
And it was not the first time he has appeared on a high-profile TV talent show.
The stand-up comic and singer revealed how he’d won ITV’s New Faces in the Seventies.
But he made sure the attention quickly went on to the act he had to critique — classical singing trio Tre Amici, who belted out Nessun Dorma.
Pete said: “I’m glad I’m not up next! That one is going to be hard to follow.
“I’ve been here all day and seen a lot of acts and that’s the best we have seen.”
Robbie eventually took his seat back — despite the fact Pete made more of a contribution as a judge than Louis Walsh did in 13 years on the show…
soapbox
IN CORONATION Street, David’s behaviour concerns Shona as he traces a mystery man’s movements.
Elsewhere, Johnny fears he may never see his granddaughter again, and Sean jumps at the chance to get a run-down bedsit. Summer also gives a smitten Max his first maths lesson.
In Emmerdale, Lydia hears a shocking admission, Sam fears the consequences and Chas conspires with Liv.
In EastEnders, there’s panic for the Slaters when no one can track down Hope’s gown on the day of the christening. To top things off, Kat disappears – leaving the baby without a godmother.
Meanwhile, Whitney is furious with Halfway for taking Stuart’s side and Billy interferes in Jay’s love life.
READ ON FOR MORE OF ANDY HALLS’ BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Strictly encore
BEEB bosses are clearly keen to build the hype before this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
They’re reminding us why we love it so much by producing a documentary looking back at the best bits from the past 14 years.
The programme, currently called We Love Strictly, will see former competitors talk about their cherished memories.
Kate Phillips, head of BBC Entertainment, told me: “Viewers have waited nine months for Strictly to return to their screens.
“So we’ve decided to bring back some of their favourite celebs to reminisce about their fabulous, fearful and downright funny moments and, of course, to compare notes on who wore the sequins best.”
The show will air ahead of the 16th series on BBC1, expected to start in September. Given its giant ratings last year, all it needs is a decent celebrity line-up, not a massive pre-fanfare.
bizbit
CORRIE’S Kym Marsh is so keen to keep her new relationship with Army major Scott Ratcliff under wraps that she has discussed it in a chat with OK! magazine.
The ever-so-private star said: “Scott is a lovely man and things are going well. I’m trying to keep the relationship as private as I can.”
I see.
Holly-boots
JORGIE Porter looks boot-iful as she heads for a night out following the launch of her stage show Fame The Musical.
The Hollyoaks and I’m A Celebrity star kicked off the tour in her home city of Manchester last week and joined fellow cast members for a few celebratory drinks.
Though you’ve unquestionably earned a tipple or two Jorgie, I wouldn’t risk any red wine in that outfit.
Graham stars as farm cop
ONE of telly’s most in-demand stars, Stephen Graham, has landed yet another high-profile role.
The actor – who The Sun exclusively revealed will be a key character in the new Line Of Duty – has joined the cast of ITV thriller White House Farm.
Stephen will play DCI Thomas “Taff” Jones, the cop who investigated the real-life killings of five members of the same family at White House Farm in Essex 33 years ago.
Stephen will star opposite Freddie Fox as Jeremy Bamber, who was jailed for the murders after trying to make it look like they had been carried out by his sister, Sheila Caffell, who will be portrayed by Prince Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas.
A TV insider said: “The role of Taff isn’t a straightforward one – it’s a complicated part Stephen can really get his teeth into.”
Taff initially believed Bamber when he said his troubled sister – known as Bambi – had shot their adoptive parents, Nevill and June Bamber, at the remote farmhouse in 1985.
He also claimed she had shot her six-year-old twin sons, Daniel and Nicholas Caffell, before committing suicide.
But the investigation was botched and Taff was removed from the case and died before Bamber was convicted of the five murders, allegedly to claim a substantial inheritance.
It’s no wonder ITV was keen to make a drama from this horrifying but fascinating case.
must watch
WHAT? Panorama, BBC1, 8.30pm.
WHY? A shocking look at how wealth affects health. Life expectancy for people in Stockton-on-Tees is 18 years less than wealthier neighbours living just two miles away.
