Simon Cowell reveals last year’s X Factor was a ‘slog’ as glam new line-up shots revealed

SIMON Cowell revealed last year’s X Factor was a “slog” and desperately needed a shake-up before returning in 2018.

The music mogul, 58, said completing the series on the judging panel beside Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger was hard work.

He told the : “It was one of those years that I knew we had to make a change, for sure. It just happens, particularly on this show.

“It’s definitely not as tense as last year. Last year was hard work. It ended well but, God, it was a slog, I tell you.”

“I’ve had more fun during auditions than I have had in years. I love doing auditions in front of an audience.

“You sit in a small room and someone’s great and literally nothing happens. In the arena when it’s a good audition they go nuts.”

New snaps of this year’s judging panel have been released today and echo Simon’s view that his is a golden selection.

Robbie Williams, Ayda Field and Louis Tomlinson join him for the eye-catching shoot, as does returning host Dermot O’ Leary.

Actress Ayda steals the show though in a plunging metallic dress, cementing her as this year’s glam queen.

Angels singer Rob believes The X Factor will turn the couple into the “new Osbournes”.

The pair have injected a fresh energy into this year’s show think their places on the judging panel could see them become the next big reality TV couple – 16 years after Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne first invited viewers into their home.

Speaking to the , Robbie said: “I know what my wife is capable of. I know what we’re capable of together.

“So we’ve just been waiting for the right vehicle to go: ‘Check out The Williams.’ I think it will be interesting for people to see us together in that way.”

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