Jonas Blue came close to beating Louis Tomlinson to a place on 'The X Factor' panel.

Jonas Blue

Jonas Blue

The 29-year-old DJ held secret meetings with show boss Simon Cowell, 59, about being a judge on the show - which is made up of judges Simon, Louis, Robbie Williams, and his wife Ayda Field - but later realised he couldn't commit due to conflicting schedules.

He is quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying: "I was asked to audition for the role of judge. I met Simon and was interviewed. I went through the whole process but it didn't work out because I had too many prior commitments with my DJ-ing.

"All of my DJ shows had been booked about a year in advance and I had to be there for filming days and I couldn't make it work. It would have been fun."

The 'Rise' hitmaker - whose real name is Guy Robin - has previously spoken of his desire to join the show as a judge, because he believed the programme needed revamping by adding someone who is "at the height of their career".

He said: "I'd love to get involved. I think it's a great show. I watch it but I feel as though it does need a current judge on it.

"Someone who is in the music business right now at the height of their career. I think that's important."

The record producer already has links to Simon's label Syco, and is currently executively producing previous 'X Factor' contestants Four of Diamonds' debut album.

He said: "I've been working hard with the girls on their album - it's all separate to what I'm doing now with my record - it's been a lot of fun.

"I think it's time for a new girl group to come through. It's been a bit quiet apart from Little Mix, so the time is right."

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