Robbie Williams has pulled out of judging tonight’s Let It Shine grand final with a mystery “ailment”, leaving the production in a right old pickle.
The singer was due to team up with his band mate Gary Barlow for a role as a guest judge on the talent show.
Fortunately, after a bit of a panic, he has been replaced – by comedy legend and Take That super fan Peter Kay.
However, Robbie will still join up with the rest of the band – Gary, Howard Donald and Mark Owen – for a special performance as originally planned.
A message on the BBC’s website said: “As previously announced, Robbie Williams will reunite with Take That for a special performance for the Let It Shine live final.
“Sadly due to an ailment he is unable to continue with the role of guest judge and we wish Robbie a very speedy recovery.
“However, we are thrilled to announce that Peter Kay will join as guest judge and sit on the panel alongside Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue and Martin Kemp for tomorrow night’s live final.”
When you’re looking for a replacement for Robbie Williams, roly poly funnyman Peter might not be the first person to spring to mind. But that’s who Gary Barlow and the Beeb have enlisted to cover for the Rock DJ star.
Robbie had previously revealed he was thrilled to be sitting in for the final of Gary Barlow’s singing competition, saying: “I’m looking forward to being back with Gary, Mark and Howard on ‘Let It Shine’ and am excited to be a guest judge for the very special final.”
But the mystery ailment, which comes just days after he performed at the Brits and picked up the Icon Award, means he’ll no longer be judging and instead will be replaced by Peter.
A BBC spokesman said: “As well as confessing to being Take That’s number one fan, Peter is a one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, a Bafta-winning actor and has released two huge number one singles for charity.
“He has also starred in the award-winning musical The Producers in Manchester and Cardiff.
“As the man with the most-successful comedy tour of all time in the UK, Peter is ideally placed to pass on advice to the finalists on how to win over live audiences.”
The winning band in tonight’s live final of Let It Shine will win lead roles in Gary’s new West End musical ‘The Band’, which tells the story of a boyband to the music of Take That.