Robbie Williams and Ayda Field leave X Factor following salary increase

Robbie Williams and Ayda Field reportedly resigned from The X Factor after demanding a £ 10 million salary increase.

The two men left the series after a season and sources close to the husband and wife team acknowledged that, although there was no quarrel with Simon Cowell, the decision was finally made in financial matters.

The couple issued a joint statement on Instagram to announce the news to the fans, revealing that they would not be returning for the 2019 season.

The upcoming episodes are expected to see the show undergo its biggest redesign, bringing together celebrities from the mainstream, in an effort to find the next Bradley Walsh, who actually won the top selling album in 2016.

"Robbie and Ayda were already on a 10 million pound contract and it was impossible for us to increase that kind of money," insiders said.

Sending to The Sun, the source added: "They did not scramble with Simon – they were all vacationing together recently – but there are commercial realities at stake."

"A brief update from Team Williams … The year has been very busy and Vegas has been amazing, we can not wait for June and July to start all over again," read their statement.

"We have some big announcements to come, but we can not reveal everything yet."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwJJE93JUUx/

"Unfortunately, as it is impossible to do everything, we are disappointed to tell you that we will not be able to return to the X Factor this year," they added.

"However, we will be working on projects with Simon in the future – and as big fans of the series, we continue to adapt to The X Factor, vote and conclude Simon!"

Louis Tomlinson also questioned the fact that he will return to join Simon on the jury this year, but it is thought that the show's bosses, including Simon, are planning this year to form a panel of three presidents, a return in the original format.

Sharon Osborne and Louis Walsh joined Simon for the original panel for the first four years.

Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives of Robbie and Ayda for comments.