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X Factor: 5 British musical legends to replace Nick Grimshaw

| 09.12.2015

The future of X Factor judge Nick Grimshaw has been thrown into doubt after show boss Simon Cowell claimed the public will decide if the Radio 1 breakfast host will return in 2016.

Sam Bailey, winner of the show in 2013, waded into the debate earlier this week, claiming Grimmy’s involvement with the series has run its course.

The Skyscraper singer called for Grimmy to be axed in favour of someone with more credibility.

Recent I’m A Celeb contestant and Spandau Ballet front man Tony Hadley was Bailey’s top choice, saying it is high time there was a judge on the panel that will make contestants think “wow, I can really learn something from this person”.

With the Ladbrokes X Factor ambassador’s comments in mind Ladbroke News has compiled a list of five candidates to fill Grimmy’s seat on the panel.

Tony Hadley @ 10/1

With 10 Top 10 hits under their belt Spandau Ballet were a force in the 1980s, with number one smash True and number two hit Gold their biggest hits to date.

While Kemp brothers Gary and Martin stole some of the headlines, Hadley was the man who brought the words to life as the lead singer. Recently back in the limelight thanks to his stint Down Under Hadley has the industry credibility and star appeal to make a great judge.

Robbie Williams @ 12/1

Nine number one albums, six number one singles and countless industry gongs show that life after Take That has been a whirlwind of success for Williams. With his latest single – 2014’s Shine My Shoes – limping into the charts at number 89, however, it could be time for a new challenge.

By leaving TT at the height of their fame, picking fights with Oasis and generally being outspoken in the media Robbie certainly wouldn’t hold back his opinions and after singing with host Olly Murs in the 2009 final he’s already a ‘friend of the show’.

Tom Jones @ 20/1

It’s not unusual to envisage Jones as a judge on a singing competition; he was a founding member of The Voice panel after all. Unceremoniously dumped from the BBC show – which will air on ITV from 2017 – Jones would like nothing more than to turnout for a rival show.

With 50 years in the business to his name and 15 top 10 hits few British artists are better placed to impart their wisdom to the talent of tomorrow.

Noel Gallagher @ 50/1

Every studio album ever released by Oasis topped the charts at number one and Gallagher has repeated the trick with his High Flying Birds, with his first two albums under that name also hitting number one.

Cowell has been chasing Noel for years and as perhaps the most outspoken musician Britain has ever seen it’s easy to see why. The Mancunian has played down his chances of getting involved before but at the age of 48 might he have mellowed enough for the role?

Mick Jagger @ 50/1

You might think you’d get no satisfaction from seeing an ageing rocker dish out advice to wannabe pop stars but Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler was a huge success stateside on the American Idol panel and Jagger could easily be his British equivalent.

With the Rolling Stones still raking it in on tour it would take a huge deal to tempt the 72-year-old, meaning Cowell might miss out on his man but, hey, you can’t always get what you want.

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Author

James Curtis

After studying for a degree in journalism and gaining his NCTJ, James contributed to a wide range of papers, online publications and broadcasters including the South London Press, Press Association and Sky Sports News before joining the Ladbrokes News team.