Why did Robbie Williams and Ayda Field quit X Factor this year?
The Rock DJ singer could call it a day after one stint on the panel
ROBBIE Williams and his wife, Ayda Field, made their debut appearance on the X Factor judging panel in 2018.
But the duo won't be returning for a second year after failing to negotiate a wage that they were happy with. Here's all we know about the decision...
Did Robbie Williams and Ayda Field quit X Factor?
Yes, the married duo said they were stepping down due to other commitments.
But the couple, who were thought to be paid £10 million for the 2018 series, vowed to work with Simon Cowell again in the future.
In a post on both of their Instagram accounts, they told fans: “A quick update from Team Williams… it’s been a very busy year so far and Vegas has been incredible - we cannot wait for June and July to do it all again.
“We’ve got some very big announcements coming soon - but we can’t reveal all yet. Sadly as it’s impossible to do everything, we’re gutted to tell you we won’t be able to return to The X Factor this year."
They continued: “We will, however, be working on projects with Simon going forward - and as huge fans of the show, we will still be tuning into The X Factor, voting and winding Simon up! AW xx”
The couple, who are parents to Theodora, Charlton and Colette, joined the show in 2018 after judge Louis Walsh left after 13 years and they were joined on the panel by Louis Tomlinson.
Who will replace Robbie and Ayda on the X factor?
The Sun revealed that the panel will be cut to three for the upcoming all-star and celebrity editions of the X Factor, but there will be a different line-up for each version.
Other veterans like Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B and Cheryl Tweedy are likely to fill the third seat.
The likely departure of 1D’s Louis comes as Simon overhauls the show in a big to increase ratings by moving away from civilian contestants.
Sources close to Spice Girl Mel B, music mogul Louis Walsh, Greatest Dancer judge Cheryl and Aussie Dannii Minogue said they had yet to be approached about a return, but that is standard for X Factor where new judges usually sign deals in May.
The X Factor launched in 2004 with a three-strong judging panel of Cowell, Walsh and Osbourne.
MORE ON X FACTOR
Is the X Factor on a break in 2019?
The X Factor is set to take a break from regular competition with unknown contestants.
The show will air this year as ITV runs two different versions of the show.
Viewers will get to watch famous names battle it out to prove they have the X Factor, while the other will be an 'All Stars' series that will see former winners and standout contestants returning to the stage that made them famous.