Walsh denies Minogue axe claims

Louis Walsh has retracted his claim that Dannii Minogue will be axed from The X Factor next year.

Speaking to a Sunday newspaper earlier this month, the Irish judge predicted that Minogue would be dropped because producers are keen for Sharon Osbourne to make a return.

However, in an interview with New! magazine, Walsh insisted: "That's not going to happen. That was just me trying to be funny. It was a joke!"

Asked about his relationship with Dannii, he continued: "I'm getting on fine with her. I think she's better than Kylie. I was dubious at first about her coming onto the show. But she proved herself."

Walsh also denied claims that the Aussie popstar is furious after Simon Cowell started ignoring her in favour of new judge Cheryl Cole.

He said: "Simon is giving more attention to Cheryl. She's the new kid on the block. Last year it was Dannii. But nothing fazes Dannii."

The X Factor continues tonight at 7.25pm on ITV1.

Via digitalspy.co.uk

Sharon Osbourne blasts Dannii Minogue about X-Factor

Familiarity obviously has bred contempt between two of the X-Factor talent judges Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue, with Ozzy's missus giving a rather unflattering critique of our poptart to the UK press this week.

Rumours of bitching spilled on to TV when Osbourne attacked Minogue on The Graham Norton Show.

"Dannii knows she's there because of her looks, not because of her contribution to the music industry," she sniped.

Surprisingly, it was British tabloid The Sun which defended our Dannii's honour, asking in its editorial: "Sharon doesn't even have the 'looks' part going for her - what does she bring to the table, other than her famous last name?".

Via news.com.au

X Factor - Rhydian Roberts and Dannii Minogue

White-haired X Factor contestant Rhydian says he has grown rather fond of mentor Dannii Minogue.

According to the Daily Record, Rhydian has developed a bit of a crush on the curvy Aussie singer, calling her "hot".

"I do fancy Dannii," he confessed. "She's hot and she's lovely to me. She flirts with us like crazy. It makes me blush."

However, 24-year-old Rhyd said that he has never had much luck with the ladies and would be thrilled if women started to like him because of his fame.

The fitness fanatic explained that he had never been popular with girls because he attended an all-boys school and has always been very dedicated to his career.

At least he can be comforted by the fact that Dannii is currently single - meaning he might have a chance one day!

She was married during the 1990s to Nip/Tuck actor Julian McMahon and has also dated Jacques Villeneuve, but has recently been linked to X Factor head judge Simon Cowell - even though he has a girlfriend.

They will both be scrutinising Rhyd this week as the semi-final of the competition kicks off.

Via myparkmag.com