Dannii quits X Factor

Show loses another top judge just days before series launch...

09:11 16 May 2011

X Factor judge Dannii Minogue will not be appearing on the panel this year, it has been confirmed.

The 39-year-old singer announced that she will be standing down via her Twitter profile, posting:

"I am so disappointed that I can't be a part of The X Factor this year.

"I'm going to miss the show and the amazing team who work so incredibly hard on it."

Minogue let slip that her departure was down to a scheduling clash between X Factor and her other project, Australia's Got Talent.

Taking on both jobs would have meant regular trips between the two countries with her newly born baby, Ethan.

"During discussions for me to return [to The X Factor] it became clear that unfortunately, this year, the X Factor audition dates in the UK clash with the live shows of Australia's Got Talent during June and July.

"For this reason I am unable to return."

This news comes just days before the new series of the reality show is due to launch.

Her decision has fuelled yet more media speculation surrounding the judges line-up this year, after Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell took up places on the US version of the show.

According to reports, Louis Walsh is set to return to the programme, to keep some continuation between the series'.

Among the stars tipped for the remaining judges roles are Gary Barlow, singer Tulisa Contostavlos from the band N-Dubz, Lily Allen, former Spice Girl Mel B, Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon and Ozzy Osbourne.

Dannii joined the X Factor in 2007 and mentored two winners, Matt Cardle and Leon Jackson.