Robbie Williams has said he will return to 'The X Factor'.

Robbie Williams and Ayda Field

Robbie Williams and Ayda Field

The former Take That star and his wife Ayda Field were both judges on the ITV talent show last year, and although they won't be back this year due to other work commitments, including Robbie's new album, he has revealed that Simon Cowell has persuaded him to continue with the job when things aren't so hectic.

Speaking at a press conference where Robbie was announced as a co-owner of Liverpool stage school LMA (Liverpool Music Academy), he spilled: "We wanted it desperately to work with The X Factor but it couldnt. It is to be continued because Simon and I are good friends, our family are friends and our kids hang out all of the time.

"It is a pause on the relationship and then it will carry on. This year I have to promo my album."

Quizzed on whether show boss Simon invited him back, he replied: "Yes he (Simon) did. We wanted to do it but we couldn't make it work. Like I said it is just a pause.

"I miss Simon, he is incredibly charismatic and incredibly charming and I have learned an awful lot from him."

In a joint post on Robbie's Instagram announcing their break from the show, the couple had said: "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. (sic)"

The power couple said they will still be working with the 59-year-old music mogul on other projects.

They added: "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 (sic)"