Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson will perform a duet together on 'The X Factor'.

Robbie Williams, Ayda Field, Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell

Robbie Williams, Ayda Field, Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell

The two former boy band stars will give Take That and One Direction fans a real treat on the next series of the talent show, on which they will judge alongside Simon Cowell and Robbie's wife Ayda Field.

The pair are said to have promised boss Simon that they will sing together on the show after striking up a friendship already.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "They're already getting on great, ribbing each other a bit, but all in good humour.

"Robbie jibed he hadn't been to an arena for years before this week's auditions because he's so used to playing stadiums, and asked Louis to remind him what it feels like - but they were laughing throughout."

Simon hopes the new lineup - which comes after Louis Walsh left the panel, while Sharon Osbourne will cover for Robbie for some live shows when he is on tour during - can give the show a big boost.

He said: "I'm genuinely excited. It already feels great, doesn't it? I've got a really good feeling about it."

Although the team are optimistic, 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Craig Revel Horwood isn't so sure the ITV show will manage to overcome the BBC One programme's ratings.

Referring to previous attempts to shake things up, he added: "We could go down the same road as 'The X Factor' and change the voting on 'Strictly' and judges, but it hasn't really worked has it? Changing the format is a dangerous thing."