'X Factor': Guest judge David Walliams takes digs at both Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams

You’d think David Walliams would be grateful to be on Saturday night’s X Factor as new judge Robbie Williams guest judge. Filmed in sunny LA at Robbie’s impressive Beverly Hills mansion, the two held court poolside as Robbie’s Groups category performed before them.

But while David appeared to enjoy his stint in the spectacle, he couldn’t help but make several digs at both Simon Cowell and Robbie Williams.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge and comedian arrived on the scene in tight leather shorts and little else – clearly poking fun at Robbie Williams early Take That days.

And David wasted no time slamming the show as soon as the auditioning kicked off. First up were LMA Choir and he immediately asked them why they chose X Factor as their shot at fame.

“Because what a better platform to show your talent and to show the world what you can do?” LMA Choir member Stephanie Wallace Carr replied.

David sarcastically retorted: “Britain’s Got Talent?”

As many readers will know, David traditionally judges Britain’s Got Talent alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

And this light-hearted banter continued as the eager groups began to perform in front of the pair.

As Robbie commented that he wasn’t sure boy band Vibe5 were confident enough yet in themselves to succeed as a group – David quickly jumped in to mock him.

“They need to know who they are…like me and my sexuality,” Robbie joked.

David dryly replied: “That’s been going on for decades.”

The two later revisited a similar vein of banter. After they had finished watching the groups, David joked the two should decide who to eliminate over a bath together.

“Let’s take a bath together and try and thrash this out,” David said.

“You bring the epsom salts!” Robbie replied.

And as the performances came to a close, David couldn’t help but take final a dig at rival talent show judge Simon Cowell.

“It’s going to be tough. This is the horrible part isn’t it? Saying no to people.

“It’s the bit that Simon enjoys but for us human beings it’s the hard part,” David said.

While some viewers praised David’s appearance, many questioned why he was there as a guest judge, considering his primary talents are comedy and writing – not singing or music management.

As for the final selection, Robbie followed last week’s unexpected rule change by Simon Cowell – who put four out of his six female acts forward (traditionally three are eliminated at this stage) – and also sent just two of his groups home.

It was the end of the line for duo Panda and also girl group Sweet Sense.

However, LMA Choir, A Star, Misunderstood and Vibe 5 will be back for the next X Factor round.

X Factor continues on Sunday at 8pm on ITV.

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