Jonas Blue came close to beating Louis Tomlinson to a place on ‘The X Factor’ panel.
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."
Louis Tomlinson nearly lost out on X Factor role to Jonas Blue
