New The X Factor 2018 judge Robbie Williams has claimed Take That would “obviously” have auditioned for the show – because it offers wannabe popstars instant exposure.
Robbie shot to fame in the early 90s as a member of the boyband, known for hits such as ‘Pray’ and ‘Relight My Fire’.
However, he reckons his path to stardom may have been very different had a show like The X Factor existed at the time.
“This is one hell of a platform though, isn’t it? Take That didn’t have the option of being seen by ten million people each weekend,” he said.
“If we had have had that option then we would have obviously grabbed it with five sets of hands.
“As it happens these lucky people will have just that. They should grab the opportunity with both hands and make everything they can from it.”
This year, Robbie has become one of three new judges joining Simon Cowell on the ITV singing contest.
The ‘Candy’ hitmaker appears alongside his wife Ayda Williams and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
He says his new role is “the most fun I’ve ever had in showbusiness”, and he’s impressed with the talent on offer.
“I wasn’t expecting anything, I just wanted to be blown away,” he commented. “I can happily say that I have been blown away more than a few times.”
But as Robbie looks ahead to the live shows, the realities of mentoring the contestants are beginning to sink in.
“There is a responsibility that comes with mentoring people and helping their career and hopefully not hindering it,” he observed.
“They are mentoring me at the same time, we’ll work it out together. If they look good, I look good and vice versa!”
There’s only four days to go until viewers get to see Robbie in action on the panel.
The X Factor’s new series kicks off this Saturday and Sunday at 8.00pm on ITV.
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