Sir Elton John turned down a mega-money deal to join this year's 'The X Factor' judging panel.

Sir Elton John

Sir Elton John

The singing show's boss Simon Cowell is desperately trying to sign up a fourth judge for the forthcoming series, which kicks off later this year, after bagging Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field as the replacements for previous panellists Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger.

But it looks like the 57-year-old music mogul has had to go back to the drawing board as the 'Candle in the Wind' hitmaker, 71, snubbed the chance to join the show because he's "too busy."

Speaking to The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column, Elton's husband David Furnish said: "There was talk about the possibility of a judging role for Elton.

"But he does 100 shows a year and he doesn't have time for 'X Factor' judging roles. We're too busy with Elton's tour, which is starting in September."

And, although the signing of Ayda has raised a few eyebrows among viewers, David thinks it's "great" that the couple will get to work together on the programme, but he's adamant he would never dabble in Elton's field because he much prefers to focus on his film career.

David - who has two sons Zachary, seven, and Elijah, five, with Elton - explained: "I think it's great for Rob and Ayda, but I'm a behind-the-camera person. I've got two beautiful boys at home, I take them to school every morning and I put them to bed every night."

Meanwhile, although it seems Simon is struggling to find his final judge to join the panel, he's not short of offers as Jonas Blue thinks he'd be the perfect match for the singing competition.

The 'Mama' hitmaker said recently: "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."

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