Tom Richards returned to The X Factor 2018 in Saturday’s auditions after eight years.
The former contestant has a lot of history with new judge Louis Tomlinson , who has joined this year’s panel alongside husband and wife team Robbie Williams and Ayda Williams.
The trio sit alongside Simon Cowell on the panel, who were back on TV tonight for more auditions.
In this evening’s episode, Louis instantly recognised one singer.
Louis reacted on seeing Tom: “How are you lad? We know each other. You auditioned the same year as me.”
Back in 2010, Louis first auditioned for the show as a solo artist before being put into One Direction.
Tom made it as far as judges’ houses, but didn’t make the cut through to the live shows.
You can watch Tom’s first audition from the show above.
In Saturday’s episode, Tom reflected eight years on: “I’m not saying I would’ve been in One Direction but there was a slight possibility that I could’ve been. My life would’ve been quite different today.
“At the time we were just kids, we had no idea they’d go on to have the careers they did. After the show when they had their success, my life went back to normal pretty quickly.”
He laughed: “I’m a little bit jealous I think… just a little bit.
“It’s been eight years, I feel like I’ve got unfinished business with the show.”
At his second attempt on The X Factor, Tom performed James Bay’s Let It Go – but will it prove a hit with the judges?
As always, acts need three or more yeses to make it through to the next round.
Other acts this weekend include Tom Richards, who previously auditioned in 2010 with Louis Tomlinson, and Armstrong Martins who puts a spin on a High School Musical classic.
Also on Saturday’s show are the LMA Choir, made up of singers from Liverpool and rocker Giovanni Spano who splits the judges.
The X Factor continues Sunday night at 8PM.
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