Dermot O’Leary thinks Ayda Williams is the dark horse of this year’s ‘X Factor’ judging panel.
The new series of the ITV show marks the first time a married couple has starred on the panel and Dermot thinks it will be the 39-year-old actress – who is married to Robbie Williams – who will wow the British public.
Dermot told Heat magazine: "Ayda knows she’s the underdog on the panel, and in a many ways that is a very exciting and thrilling prospect for her.
"It ignites a fire in your belly that really spurs you on, doesn’t it? The best motivational tool one can have is people saying ‘She can’t do the job’."
Despite this, Dermot is also backing Robbie to be a success, saying that his years of watching the show ought to stand him in good stead.
He explained: "Robbie is extraordinary. He’s a duck to water- it’s like he’s been doing the job for years.
"Actually, when you speak to him he says, ‘I have been saying these things to the television for the last ten years.’"
Louis Tomlinson also features on this year’s judging panel and as a former contestant on the show, Dermot thinks he will have an insight into what the aspiring stars are going through.
He said: "With Louis, he’s got this great dynamic with Simon [Cowell], because there is a paternalistic relationship there – although quite often Louis feels like the adult in the relationship. But also, you have someone who’s been there done that.
"Louis knows exactly what the contestants are going through. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Simon so relaxed on a panel."
Dermot O’Leary says Ayda WIlliams will be X Factor’s dark horse
