Aston Merrygold keen to be X Factor judge but rules out JLS reunion
The former JLS star is forging a solo career and says he wouldn’t say no to being an X Factor judge.
Former JLS star Aston Merrygold has said he would “jump at the chance” to return to The X Factor as a judge.
The 29-year-old singer, who was a runner-up on the show in 2008, praised last year’s judging panel but admitted he disliked “certain things” about the 2016 series.
He told the Press Association: “There were certain things I loved about the show this year and there were certain things I didn’t really like too much this year.
“I think the judges were right this year. They had a good kind of flow and Dermot (O’Leary) being back was a good thing.”
The judging panel for the next series of The X Factor has not been confirmed but Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger are being tipped to return.
Aston, who was previously a judge on Sky One series Got To Dance, said he believed he would have a “lot of fun” if he was offered the role.
He added: “Obviously dancing is a huge passion of mine but as far as singing is concerned, something like judging would be amazing and I would definitely jump at the chance. Why not?”
Aston is promoting new solo material following his successful career with JLS, who scored five UK number one singles before splitting in 2013.
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the band’s run on The X Factor but Aston said there were no plans for a reunion.
“We’ll probably do something for us because it was a big milestone for us,” he said.
“We might go out, we might take a picture and put it on Instagram, you never know.
“In terms of musically, no. Everyone is doing their own thing. It’s nice to be able to support each other in that way.”
Aston’s new single Precious is released on Friday.
