There's really no easy way of putting this, so I'm just going to come straight out with it. This year's X Factor contestants will be helped on their way by music biz luminaries Robbie Williams, Elton John and Westlife. The judges, who on our screens will shortly become mentors but already have in real life, negotiated to get the stars on board. It was Simon, mentor of the 16-25 age category, who got Robbie.
As Robbie has recently been talking about leaving the music business - a cold and miserable place, don't you know - involvement with the next Shayne Ward may be just the right way to go about it. Elton John will help Louis Walsh's over-25s, while Westlife will help Sharon out with the groups. What's more, among other acts offering advice will be novelty opera act Il Divo. If anyone needs me, I'll be running to the hills. [Toni Kelly]
