Louis Tomlinson casts doubt on X Factor return as Robbie Williams and Ayda Field QUIT

Louis Tomlinson has dropped a major hint that he won’t return to The X Factor judging panel.

The former One Direction singer made his debut as a judge on the ITV talent show last year, alongside Simon Cowell, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, he suggested that he didn’t want the show to “get in the way” while he focuses on releasing a solo album.

“[Cowell] ain’t called me yet,” he said.

Debut: Louis Tomlinson was announced as a judge last year (Ian West/PA Wire/PA Images)

“I had an amazing experience on the show last year. But if it’s going to get in the way of my mission for this year which is releasing the album, then it’s probably gonna be less likely.”

The 27-year-old, who finished in third place in the competition in 2010 alongside his One Direction bandmates, revealed that he still has a “really good” relationship with Cowell.

“I have a really good relationship with Simon,” he said. “I just feel like I make him a little bit younger. Or I try. He does sometimes throw around the dad jokes a little bit too often. So I do try to do my bit.”

Tomlinson’s act Dalton Harris won last year’s series after beating Anthony Russell and Scarlett Lee.

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Earlier today, Williams and Field confirmed that they will not return to the show later this year, but promised that they will continue to work with Cowell on future projects.

“We’ve got some very big announcements coming soon – but we can’t reveal all yet,” Williams wrote on Instagram.

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A quick update from Team Williams… it’s been a very busy year so far. Vegas has been incredible and we cannot wait for June and July to do it all again. I’ve got the massive @BSTHydePark show on July 14 and I’ve written the lyrics and music for the #RSCBoyInDress show with @guyachambers - opening on November 8. As well as all this we’ve got some very big announcements coming soon - but we can’t reveal all yet. Sadly though it’s impossible to do everything … and we’re gutted to tell you we won’t be able to return to The X Factor this year. We will, however, be working on projects with Simon going forward - and as huge fans of the show, we will still be tuning into The X Factor, voting and winding Simon up…x

A post shared by Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) on Apr 11, 2019 at 9:55pm PDT

“Sadly though it’s impossible to do everything… and we’re gutted to tell you we won’t be able to return to The X Factor this year.

“We will, however, be working on projects with Simon going forward – and as huge fans of the show, we will still be tuning into The X Factor, voting and winding Simon up.”

Cowell has hinted that a celebrity version of the singing contest could air later this year, alongside an all-star series, similar to America’s Got Talent: The Champions.

Speaking to The Sun in February, he revealed that he has “exciting” ideas for the show and has been “waiting for the opportunity” to make a “huge change” to the format. ITV is yet to confirm his plans for The X Factor.