Rod Stewart is set to make a guest appearance on hit show The X Factor and offer the contestants some tips and advice.

61-year-old Rod will also help judge the contestant’s performances when the show goes live next month.

He told the Daily Star that despite years of live performances, he sometimes gets stage fright.

“I’m going to do X Factor in a couple of months. Those kids have got some guts. I’m used to big crowds, but even when I do TV shows I’m on edge.”

A show spokesperson added: “There will be some guest judges. But as for Rod, it’s speculation.”

Rumour has it that Rod let the cat out the bag, because TV bosses were trying to keep their celebrity judges under wraps until the last minute.

An insider said: “They were furious with Rod. It was to be a surprise, but now he’s blown it.”

Other guest stars linked to the ITV programme include Westlife, Beyonce and Julio Iglesias.