The ‘Let Me Entertain You’ singer is heading to Latin America on tour for two weeks, which was arranged prior to him signing up for the ITV talent show.
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Nile Rodgers will be a guest 'X Factor' judge
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Instead of Robbie’s seat sitting empty, Chic frontman and all-round music legend Nile will be filling in for him alongside Robbie’s wife Ayda Field, Simon Cowell and Louis Tomlinson.
Nile, who earlier this year helped out Louis and One Direction bandmate Liam Payne at Judges Houses, will join the panel on Sunday night before judging the contestants the following weekend in Robbie’s place.
This Saturday’s show will be filmed earlier in the evening so that Robbie can fulfil his commitments before flying off, with the show airing ‘as live’ from 8.35pm.
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Robbie Williams is off to tour Latin America
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Nile said: “I had such a great time with Louis at the Judge’s House in Ibiza a couple of weeks ago that when the opportunity came to step in for Robbie I could not say ‘no’.
“From Chic and Sister Sledge to Duran Duran and Daft Punk, I’ve had great experiences with Groups in my career, so I look forward to giving them as much support as I can while Rob is away!”
A guest judge for the weekend of 17-18 November is yet to be announced, with Robbie returning to his seat on Saturday 24 November.
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The current 'X Factor' panel
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Sharon Osbourne was originally meant to stand in after being hired as an additional fifth judge for the live shows.
Sharon Osbourne stepped down from her fifth judge role before even starting
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In a statement, she said: “After watching the new season of X Factor unfold, I’ve seen the new judges finding their rhythm and they are doing brilliantly.
“Simon was so gracious to find me a spot on the live shows but at this point I really don’t think I’m needed and I would honestly feel odd coming in at this point. So I have decided to pass on the series this year.”
‘The X Factor’ continues on Saturday at 7.05pm on ITV.
'X Factor' Judge Suggestions
Sir Elton John(01 of14)
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Elton isn't exactly backwards in coming forwards when it comes to telling people what he thinks of them, and with plans to retire from touring already announced, it couldn't be more well-timed for him to take a seat behind that famous desk. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Dolly Parton(02 of14)
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Dolly Parton on The X Factor. Just picture it for a minute, then try telling us it's a bad idea. (credit:Shannon Finney via Getty Images)
Calvin Harris(03 of14)
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We've had record execs, managers, singers and radio presenters on the panel, but a DJ/producer has never occupied a judges seat before, and who could be better to change that than Calvin?
Plus, it'd be a nice full-circle after he was famously banned from the show over that pineapple stunt, only to return years later to help Nicole Scherzinger at Judges' Houses. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Craig David(04 of14)
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The singer is already one of the names who has been linked to replacing Louis Walsh, and it would be intriguing to see him rise to the challenge, particularly as he's already had a taster as a guest judge on rival talent show The Voice. (credit:Astrid Stawiarz via Getty Images)
Florence Welch(05 of14)
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Florence (sans 'the machine') would most likely prove a Marmite addition to the show, but there'd be no doubting her musical credibility, which could attract a new type of artist applying, not to mention a new type of viewer. (credit:Joe Maher via Getty Images)
Celine Dion(06 of14)
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Celine has been living her best life lately, and what better way to follow up a colourful few years than by becoming an X Factor judge in 2019? (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Annie Lennox(07 of14)
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Something tells us Annie Lenox might not be the biggest fan of shows like X Factor (she did once call it a "factory", after all), but that could make it even more watchable to see her on the panel, most likely hating every second. (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
Pink(08 of14)
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She's previously turned down The Voice Australia, American Idol and The X Factor claiming she couldn't be "honest" enough, but given how she's famous for speaking her mind, we reckon she's selling herself short. (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Noel Gallagher(09 of14)
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The former Oasis guitarist has been asked to do it so many times now that it's only right that he finally gives in and tries out the role of talent show judge. (credit:Empics Entertainment)
Stevie Nicks(10 of14)
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As the queen of rock and roll, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks is more than qualified to fill Sharon Osbourne's old seat. (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
Lily Allen(11 of14)
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Lily and The X Factor have long been linked, and there's a reason for that - she'd be dynamite on the panel. We'd love it even more if she were to come face-to-face with old foe Cheryl Tweedy, should she return. (credit:Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)
Mark Ronson(12 of14)
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He's one of the most sought-after producers in the business and has worked with some of the world's biggest popstars, so while he may not need X Factor, he would bring a wealth of credibility and star power with him, and he'd be able to phone in some amazing favours for Judges' Houses (who could forget his own memorable appearance with Nick Grimshaw in 2014?). (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Ellie Goulding(13 of14)
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Ellie is one of the UK's biggest selling female artists and is no stranger to X Factor having dueted with Luke Friend at the 2013 live final. And with a musical comeback tipped for 2018, we think this would be perfect promo for her. (credit:Presley Ann via Getty Images)
Janet Jackson(14 of14)
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Janet would be a genius signing for The X Factor. That is, if they could afford her. (credit:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images)