The X Factor judge Ayda Field has the star quality to impress Simon Cowell and the judges’ chemistry is electric
SIMON COWELL invited me backstage at the filming of The X Factor’s auditions for the only telly interview with all four new judges for ITV’s Lorraine show — and the chemistry was electric.
The music mogul made a big call to axe Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne for Louis Tomlinson and husband and wife duo Robbie Williams and Ayda Field.
Simon said of newcomer Ayda: “Can I say something?
"She’s been annoyingly really, really, really good.
"To the point where I felt like Louis Walsh halfway through the show. I’m the invisible one.”
When I then asked him if he missed Louis, he added: “Sometimes you’ve just got to make a change. And a radical change.
"I always say, the best panel is people you would like to have dinner with. And that’s where we ended up.”
Actress Ayda also defended herself against claims that she’s not experienced enough for the panel.
She said: “It’s different because it’s the music industry versus the acting industry.
“But I’ve been so involved in Rob’s career, I’ve had to pick him up and dust him off.
“Against his will, I’ve been mentoring him for 12 years. I’m a creative soul, Rob’s a creative soul, and meeting other creative souls that are following their dreams is really exciting.
“I feel really privileged to get to be in a position where I can maybe help someone’s dream come true and I can be a part of their journey, and that’s really exciting.”
Robbie added: “I can’t believe I haven’t done it before.
"I’m having the best time in showbusiness that I’ve ever had, full stop. I’ve been doing the wrong job for 25 years.”
Ayda’s a revelation.
- Part two of my chat airs on Lorraine on Friday from 8.30am.