[Callum]

Simon Cowell has decided to offer a new X Factor contract to Dannii Minogue, a report claims.

According to the Sunday Mirror, the show's chief considered replacing Minogue with Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Lily Allen or Charlotte Church, but ultimately chose to save the Aussie popstar because she kept the programme in the headlines last year.

A source told the newspaper: "He had been toying with the idea of new blood for a while, but when he looked back it became increasingly obvious that Dannii was the talking point of the last series. Simon is a very canny businessman and this is a purely business decision.

"Although sacking Dannii and getting a new judge could win viewers for the first few shows, keeping Dannii pretty much guarantees fireworks throughout the entire series."

Reports that the star was involved in a feud with fellow judge Cheryl Cole set tongues wagging last year. Minogue also cried live on air following a dispute with Louis Walsh.

The singer is currently working on Australia's Got Talent in her home country. Filming for the new X Factor series will begin in the summer.

Source: DS