Dannii to miss X Factor

The singer wants to be in Australia for the birth of her baby....

14:24 24 February 2010

Singer Dannii Minogue is to miss the first stages of the talent show as she is due to give birth when they take place in June.

The Aussie star has said she wants to be in her hometown Melbourne for the arrival of her baby.

Pop princess and older sister Kylie Minogue is rumoured to be stepping into the role while her sister and partner Kris Smith welcome their first born.

Dannii told the Daily Mirror: "I'm sure they will cope without me for a while.

"There is no way I could give birth and tour around the UK looking for acts for the show.

"I've not quit X Factor and I'd still love to be a part of the live shows further down the line. But that's down to Simon Cowell and the producers really.

"It's sad I won't be involved at that stage, but there are bigger things happening in my life with the baby coming."

However, the X Factor star plans to return in time for the boot camp stages of the ITV show, which is due to air its seventh season later this year.

A show insider said: "Simon makes his X Factor decisions around April.

"There will be American Idol-style guest judges to fill her vacant seat, one of whom will be Kylie."

The source added, once Dannii has had her baby "she will be back for the live shows".

38-year-old Dannii, who picked up the Best TV Star at the 2010 Elle Style Awards, will also to launch a fashion range as well as head back to the studio to record new material and work on her autobiography.