Robbie Williams, Gwen Stefani And Alicia Keys Rumoured To Take On UK X Factor Roles

21 May 2012

It has been rumoured that Robbie Williams, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys could be joining the judging panel on the new series of the UK version of The X Factor.

The show's producers are franticly trying to tie down a replacement for Kelly Rowland after she sensationally quit the show citing "scheduling issues" and "global commitments."

According to The Sun, while The X Factor searches for a permanent replacement, Robbie Williams, Gwen Stefani, Alicia Keys and Tinnie Tempah will appear as guest judges.

Robbie appeared on the show last year when he helped his Take That band mate and X Factor judge Gary Barlow pick his final acts -- and according to the reports he will be taking up the role again during the London auditions.

It has also been reported that the producers have lined up Rod Stewart to appear as a stand in judge.

A source told the Daily Mirror that Simon Cowell had persuaded the singer to sit on the panel for the early auditions, adding that he could possibly judge during the Glasgow tapings.

Last year's series of The X Factor was widely considered a ratings flop after steadily losing viewers in the opening weeks of its run -- but after the fanfare that has surrounded Britney Spears and Demi Lovato's appointment to the US Version of the show, the right choice of celebrity judge could turn things around!