Simon Cowell has revealed Sharon Osbourne will be returning for the new series of The X Factor as an “impartial judge” for the live shows.
The new judging line-up was announced on Tuesday during the X Factor press conference in London, revealing that Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field will be sitting alongside Simon.
During the conference, Simon explained Sharon’s new role and said she’s “excited” about it.
Read more: X Factor finally confirms judging line-up for 2018 series
He explained: “Sharon, we wanted a different role.
“We thought an impartial judge on the live shows would be more interesting. I think we’ve needed that for a while. She’s excited about that.”
The show’s boss, 58, also spoke about long-running judge Louis Walsh’s departure from the show.
He added: “We always try and change things up. We’ve done this a long time… We wouldn’t be sitting here, if I’m honest with you, without Louis
“Louis has been brilliant on the show… We just got to a point where I said at some point you’ve got to make a change.”
After months of speculation, the judging panel was revealed on Tuesday.
Simon opened up about his new fellow judges saying the panel is “all about optimism”.
He said: “This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star. The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I’m excited.”
Louis, Robbie and Ayda also attended the press conference and expressed their delight to be judges on the talent show.
Louis said: “The X Factor for me made a lot of sense. Development of artists is something I’ve been interested in for a long time. Having been on the show myself I know first-hand that the live shows are like nothing else you would experience. I’m looking forward to guiding auditonees through the process.”
Robbie agreed: “For nearly 30 years I’ve been touring. I’ve been wanting to branch out and The X Factor felt like the perfect vehicle. Ayda is my rock, she’s looked after me through thick and thin. I’m looking forward to getting started as a judge!”
Ayda said: “On a professional level I’ve auditioned for years so I know the highs and lows. I know what it takes to help people achieve their dreams. It’s all about the auditionees, it’s an organic process. The fact I get to work with Rob and against him is fantastic!”
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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”.
X Factor returns to ITV this autumn.
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