Robbie Williams and Ayda Field QUIT The X Factor after just one year
The couple announced their decision this morning... and teased a big announcement
ROBBIE Williams and his wife Ayda Field have quit as judges on the X Factor after just one year.
The married duo, who were thought to be paid £10 million for the 2018 series, said they were stepping down due to other commitments as they revealed the news this morning, while vowing 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.
“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! AWxx”
Robbie, 45, revealed he was working on numerous other projects, including performing at The Wynn Las Vegas in June and July.
He added : "A quick update from Team Williams… it’s been a very busy year so far. Vegas has been incredible and we cannot wait for June and July to do it all again. I’ve got the massive @BSTHydePark show on July 14 and I’ve written the lyrics and music for the #RSCBoyInDress show with @guyachambers - opening on November 8.
"As well as all this we’ve got some very big announcements coming soon - but we can’t reveal all yet. (sic)"
The couple, who are parents to Theodora, Charlton and Colette, joined the show last year after judge Louis Walsh left after 13 years and they were joined on the panel by Louis Tomlinson.
The news comes after The Sun Online revealed Robbie had demanded a massive pay rise from Simon on top of his £10million pay packet.
The former Take That star said previously: “We would love to come back. But we need to be treated kindly, so we’ll see. Is that my pitch for a pay rise? Abso-f***ing-lutely.”
Music boss Simon had also revealed he wanted the pair to appear on his brand new celebrity and all-star versions of the show, after announcing plans to axe the traditional format this year in a bid to halt a ratings slide.
Speaking to The Sun in February, he said: “I think and hope the panel will be the same.
“I’m literally speaking to Robbie tonight because he’s been busy, I’ve been filming, so I’ll have more news again on that soon.”
Viewers initially expressed concern about Ayda due to her apparent lack of experience but she proved to be a real hit.
Boss Simon gushed: "Ayda has been a revelation. I mean, seriously, she's been brilliant."
Robbie and Ayda's announcement comes just a day after Louis Tomlinson - who was also a judge with the pair and Simon last year - admitted he is "less likely" to return to the panel this year because the show may clash with his album work.
He said: "He [Simon Cowell] hasn't called me yet.
"I had an amazing experience on the show last year, but if it's going to get in the way of my mission for this year, which is releasing the album, then it's probably going to be less likely."
most read in tv & showbiz
Last year Louis Tomlinson's act Dalton Harris won the show, while neither Ayda nor Robbie had any acts in the final.
Despite not seeing any success on the show, Robbie loved the experience and admitted he hoped it would lead to more TV work.
He previously told The Sun: “Honestly, The X Factor has been my favourite thing that I’ve done in showbiz and a welcome break from the thing that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years.
“I’ve always dreamed of having my own TV show. I want to do something like the Morecambe and Wise Show meets the Dean Martin Show meets Noel’s House Party.
“I’m in with all the TV bigwigs now. And they appear to be happy with me.”
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.