‘X Factor’ bosses have confirmed reports Nile Rodgers will temporarily replace judge Robbie Williams on the panel.
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.
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.
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.
Sharon Osbourne was originally meant to stand in after being hired as an additional fifth judge for the live shows.
However, she stepped down from the role just weeks after slamming ‘The X Factor’ and Simon Cowell in an expletive-filled rant on a US radio show.
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.
