Robbie Williams: ‘ADHD will make me a tough X Factor judge’

Robbie Williams is planning to get tough on The X Factor U.K. contestants this year – as his short attention span means he gets bored easily.
The former Take That star suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – causing him to act impulsively as his mind wanders easily.
But he thinks his restlessness will make him an ideal presence on the British version of the show’s judging panel this year (18) – as he’s prepared to be harsh on mediocre performers.
“You can only see so many people before something has to be amazing to pique your interest,” the pop veteran tells Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper. “I’ve got ADHD and the thing that is worse than being terrible is being average. There’s something about seeing a lot of average, maybe you can be a bit inhumane at times.”
Robbie, who is joining his wife Ayda Field in mentoring and sifting through hopefuls, is relishing his new role and wishes he became a talent show judge earlier.
“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in showbusiness hands down, full stop,” the Angels singer explains. “I just can’t believe I’ve never done it before.”
Ayda and her husband have been brought in alongside One Direction alumni Louis Tomlinson to provide the fresh blood that Simon Cowell hopes will reinvigorate the talent show and arrest its slide in the ratings.
The music and TV mogul says his new team’s chemistry during early auditions, filmed over the summer ahead of the first episode on Saturday (1Sep18), has been better than last year – a series he admits he found difficult.
“It was one of those years that I knew we had to make a change, for sure,” he explains. “It just happens, particularly on this show. It’s definitely not as tense as last year. Last year was hard work. It ended well but, God, it was a slog, I tell you.”
Singling out Ayda as a new judge who deserves particular praise, he adds: “Ayda has been a revelation, I mean, seriously, she’s been brilliant.”