Photo: wenn.com
Music legend Rod Stewart is reportedly set to perform alongside the X Factor finalist this weekend when they team up for their weekly group song.
The group will sing a festive tune taken from Rod's recently released album, Merry Christmas, Baby.
It's hoped that the 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy' star's appearance will help boost ratings, and the X Factor team have got one over on the BBC at the same time.
Rod has also been booked to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, but won't be on the show until its Christmas Day special.
An insider said: "It is a big coup to get Rod - and to get him to perform with the contestants.
"He's an absolute legend and is a big fan of the show. He jumped at the chance of being able to perform."
But the show's chiefs had hoped to keep the appearance under wraps as the contestants hadn't yet been informed of the star's appearance.
Boyband Union J tweeted before hearing the news: "Group ensemble this week is gonna be amazing and great fun :) so excited to perform it."
Rod Stewart performing a festive show in New York
X Factor boss Simon Cowell also recently took to twitter to tell of his love for penguins, tweeting: "Watchng Mr Poppers Penguins again. I love this film. I really do want a pet penguin."
His comment prompted the ever-witty Lord Sugar to reply: "YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHANGE ONE OF THE PENGUINS ON THE X FACTOR PANEL."
Merry Christmas, Baby, Rod's 28th studio release, but was kept from the top of the UK charts in its first week by One Direction's Take Me Home.
It's currently 6th in the charts, with new releases from Little Mix, Led Zeppelin, Michael Buble pushing it down the list.
Rihanna's Unapologetic debuted at number one this week.
Below: look back on the week we learned too much about Rod's anal cocaine habit
