Robbie gets his air Niles

Chic star is X Factor stand-in for gigs

CHIC star Nile Rodgers will replace Robbie Williams on X Factor from Sunday while the singer is away doing concerts.

And in a first for the ITV show, this Saturday’s live finals will be prerecorded to let Robbie appear on the panel before he jets off to Chile.

Robbie, 44, is touring South America in the next few weeks and will miss two further weekends for gigs in Mexico and Buenos Aires, arranged before he joined X Factor.

Guitarist Nile, 66, has met Robbie’s contestants and a

LEGEND Nile Rodgers source said: “Nile will be present at the studio on Saturday during filming before keeping his seat warm on Sunday’s show. Robbie is unlikely to be able to return over the next few weeks. Nile is already on hand to oversee the groups in the meantime.” Robbie sings in Chile on Monday night but will fly out on Saturday evening, after filming. The performances will be broadcast “as live” in the show’s usual slot at 8.35pm. Nile will appear the following night, plus both Saturday and Sunday shows the next weekend. He is yet to be confirmed for the third weekend of Robbie’s absence.