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Louis Tomlinson set to ‘join the X Factor as a judge’

The new series starts later this year

X Factor fans have long been speculating which famous faces will make up the judging panel on the new series.

And One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is the latest name linked to the programme, according to The Mirror.

The publication reports that the 26-year-old is in talks to join the line-up alongside Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field.

Louis Tomlinson visits the Launch of 'Hits 1 in Hollywood
Louis is reportedly joining the judging panel (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Read more: Robbie Williams’ wife Ayda Field to join him as X Factor judge?

Louis is familiar with the ITV show as he found fame on it in 2010 with One Direction and also helped Simon out at judges’ houses in 2015.

An insider told The Mirror: “Louis is a close friend of the show and would make a brilliant judge.

“Simon mentored One Direction and signed them to Syco Records, now he’s looking after Louis’ solo career – which is going really well.”

ED! has contacted Louis’ rep and an X Factor rep for comment.

The new series of The X Factor will return to our screens later this year.

Last month, Louis Walsh announced he had quit the show after appearing on all but one of the talent show’s series since it began in 2004.

Meanwhile, it’s been rumoured Sharon Osbourne will have a scaled-back role on the show when it returns instead of being a judge.

ITV announced earlier this year that changes to the judging panel “signal the beginning of a new era for the UK’s most popular music talent show”.

Along with Louis T, other famous faces rumoured to be joining the panel are Robbie and Ayda.

It’s been reported that the couple will replace long-serving judge Louis and Nicole Scherzinger on the show.

Last month, Robbie addressed the rumours during an appearance on This Morning.

He said: “She [Ayda] is supposed to be doing it with me. I have read those reports too.

“There is a lot of me that would love to do it. But as it happens, people are talking, nothing has been signed. But watch this space.”

The star revealed he and Simon have hung out and spoke about “a lot of things”.

FAMEFLYNET
Ayda and Robbie are reportedly joining the judging panel (Credit: FameFlynet)

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Earlier this year, open auditions were well under way ahead of the show’s return to screens this summer.

Auditions were even held in Spain as the show aims to widen the net in their search for new talent.

Are you looking forward to the new series of The X Factor? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)