tilly Pearce Updated: 7:25, 29 Jul 2021 THE X Factor has given some of the world's biggest pop stars their breakthrough in music. However, all good things come to the end, with The Sun revealing the show is to be axed - here we take a look back at The X Factor's former champions and who they had to beat to be crowned the winner... 16 The X Factor 2018 judging panel consisted of Simon Cowell, Ayda Field, Robie Williams and Louis TomlinsonCredit: PA:Press Association 2004 - Steve Brookstein Steve Brookstein became the mums' favourite and took home the first-ever champion X Factor spot in 2004.