LONDON - Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson are to serve as judges alongside Simon Cowell and Sharon Osborne for next season of "The X Factor."

Singer Robbie Williams and actress Ayda Williams have been married for eight years.

Tomlinson, who is a former member of the pop group One Direction, is the first judge to have also been a contestant on the talent competition show, ITV noted in a news release.

He also served as a guest judge in 2016 on Cowell's US program, "America's Got Talent."

"This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star. The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I'm excited," Cowell said at a press conference.

"For nearly 30 years, I've been touring. I've been wanting to branch out and The X Factor felt like the perfect vehicle. Ayda is my rock, she's looked after me through thick and thin. I'm looking forward to getting started as a judge!" Robbie Williams said.

Dermot O'Leary is also returning as the show's host in the fall. - Agencies