Harris secures 'Idol' guest judge spot

Rex Features

Neil Patrick Harris has become the latest celebrity to secure a guest judge position on American Idol, reports Access Hollywood.

The How I Met Your Mother star joined fellow panelists Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson at the Dallas, Texas auditions on Monday.

Producers of the Fox reality show have lined up a string of famous faces to judge the audition stages of Idol following the departure of Paula Abdul.

Other stars recently linked to the programme include Shania Twain, Joe Jonas, Victoria Beckham, Kelly Clarkson and Mary J. Blige.

Harris can next be seen hosting the 2009 Emmy Awards, which air on CBS on September 20.