The former star of Aussie soap opera Neighbours, who also fronted pop band Rogue Traders, will be joined by Shelton Woolright, a drummer from British rock band I Am Giant, on the judging panel when the next live show airs in New Zealand on Sunday (22Mar15).

They replace married couple Natalia Kills and Willy Moon, who were axed this week (beg16Mar15) for launching a barrage of insults at contestant Joe Irvine after his performance.

Bassingthwaighte, a regular judge on Australia's The X Factor, says, "I am thrilled to be joining the X Factor New Zealand family and I can't wait to begin mentoring... We are going to have so much fun."

The actress/singer and Woolright join All Saints pop star Melanie Blatt and Australian Idol winner Stan Walker on the panel.

Kills and Moon have since asked Irvine for his forgiveness following the incident.