Louis Tomlinson and Robbie Williams tattoo matching ‘X’ inkings to mark X Factor judging debuts

Louis Tomlinson and Robbie Williams decided to mark their appointments as X Factor judges by giving each other matching tattoos.

The One Direction star, 26, and former Take That member took their friendship to the next level in Williams’ YouTube vlog.

Tomlinson and 44-year-old Williams appeared in high-spirits as they geared up to work on the tattoos in what appeared to be a backstage lounge.

Tomlinson managed a sufficiently respectable attempt, despite apologising in advance for the “wonky” line and “shaking” hand.

However, Williams was less than successful with the singer himself admitting the tattoo was “awful”.

The process led Tomlinson to mock Williams for hurting him: “Dig deep why don’t you, f****** hell!”

Despite a number of attempts to fix the inking, things soon turned south for Williams leading him to suggest the professional tattoo artist should take over.

Williams apologised: “I just really f****** Louis' tattoo up. Mate, so sorry.”

But Tomlinson had other ideas, declaring the dodgy lines were “part of the charm.”

He said: “You fix it lad, I believe in you. It's part of the charm. F**** it man, none of my tattoos are nice.”

The pair later showed off their matching art to X Factor boss Simon Cowell, who was less than impressed.

The X Factor continues on Saturday at 8:35pm on ITV