New X Factor judge Louis Tomlinson finds saying no to acts ‘horrible’

Louis Tomlinson has said he’s found saying no to acts “horrible” on The X Factor.

Louis is one of this year’s new X Factor judges alongside husband and wife team Robbie Williams and Ayda Williams.

The trio sit alongside Simon Cowell on the panel, who recently filmed auditions in London.

Louis is the first judge to have also been a contestant on the show, auditioning in 2010 as a solo artist. He was put into a boy band called One Direction who went on to enjoy worldwide success.

On signing up, 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.”

Ahead of the first episode – which airs next Saturday – Louis has admitted he’s found some parts of the show “more challenging than I expected”

“The thing I remind myself of, when I see people audition, is how none of One Direction had a brilliant first audition,” he recalled. “None of us set the place on fire – that came later. I think you have to remember that when you’re about to dismiss someone.”

In an interview with the Daily Mail’s You magazine, Louis added: “Saying no to people is horrible. I find it difficult to say no to people in any situation but here it’s really horrible.”

Meanwhile, Louis says he’s yet to pick a guest for judges’ houses amid rumours one of his One Direction bandmates will then a helping hand.

“They might fight for that guest judge seat at the judges’ houses stage of the competition,” he said.

Sharon Osbourne will join Robbie, Ayda, Louis and Simon for the live shows.

The X Factor 2018 will start on ITV on Saturday, September 1.