R. Williams, W. Houston Are To Take Jacko`s Shows

The two artists both have new records due out this year, and are being lined up for 23 of the dates the `King of Pop`.

Robbie Williams and Whitney Houston are set to take over Michael Jackson’s London shows.

The two artists both have new records due out this year, and are being lined up for 23 of the dates the ‘King of Pop’ – who died of a suspected cardiac arrest on June 25 - was due to perform at The O2 arena early next year.

A source said: “Robbie's eagerly-awaited album will be out soon and he is likely to be touring Europe next year. It will be perfect for him to start with shows at The O2.

“Whitney Houston has been on the O2 arena wish-list for a while - she has the voice and hits to sell the arena out several times over.”

Michael had been scheduled to play 50 dates at the venue starting earlier this month and stretching into next year.

If the plan goes ahead, 35-year-old Robbie and Whitney, 45, could stage shows in January, February and March 2010. They are both expected to play greatest hits sets as well as their new material.

Robbie’s upcoming album ‘Reality Killed the Video Star’ hits stores in October, and his manager has already promised fans it will be jam-packed with hits.

It is his first release since 2006’s ‘Rudebox’, which was savaged by critics.

Whitney’s ‘I Look to You’ comes out in August, and is her first new studio LP since beating drug problems.