X Factor judge Kelly Rowland has pulled out of this Saturday's live show after telling ITV bosses she is ill.
Her absence comes a week after viewers saw her clash with rival judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh over allegations that one of her acts - Misha B - had been bullying fellow contestants backstage.
Rowland travelled to LA earlier this week on a planned business trip, but informed programme chiefs that doctors had advised she did not return to the UK, as she had contracted a throat infection.
A statement from the former Destiny's Child star read:
“Kelly is devastated she won't be here for this weekend's show. She is extremely ill with a viral throat infection and her doctors aren't permitting her to fly. Kelly will be returning to the show as soon as she has recovered. The girls have been in touch to wish her speedy recovery and they can't wait for her to get back. More news as we have it."
Rowland looks after the girl acts in the competition - Misha, Sophie Habibis and Janet Devlin.
Favourite to step into Kelly's place for Saturday's show is former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who has been on this season's panel of the US version of the show, and is due to perform on the UK show on Sunday night.
Check out our slideshow of all the weekend's X Factor acts and click on who you think should be walking off with this year's title...