Robbie Williams, Elton John and Westlife have been signed up to coach the UK X Factor finalists.

Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne struck a secret deal to recruit the famous names to the Saturday night show.

Heart-throb Robbie, a huge X Factor fan, will coach the 16-25s. Elton John - whose first hit was way back in 1971 - will advise the over 25s.

And Irish band Westlife, who are managed by Louis, will pass on tips to the groups. The stars will join when the show goes live in October 2006.

An insider said: "Simon said he wanted this series to be the biggest and best yet. This is a massive coup."

Other stars who will make guest appearances on the ITV1 talent search include Robbie's former band Take That, American singer Mariah Carey and Simon's group Il Divo.

The Sunday Mirror can also reveal who each judge will look after - Simon will handle the 16- to 25-year-olds, Louis will take the over-25s and Sharon will take care of the groups.

Our source said: "The judges all pretend to take it lightly, but the truth is they are all desperate to win."

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