[Kristen]

Dannii Minogue is joining the judging panel of 'X Factor'.

The Austarlian star and younger sister of pop queen Kylie has agreed to take over from axed Louis Walsh as a judge on the hit talent show, alongside Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne.

A source told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "We are thrilled by the new look line-up. 'X Factor' needed a real change to keep it fresh and it's going to be very different.

"Dannii is a great name for us. She's an established pop star and she's got lots of connections in the business - not least of which is her sister, Kylie.

"It's going to be fantastic TV. And if we have more of those themed nights when the show goes live, we could do a Kylie night and she might even appear on the show herself."

Brunette Dannii, 35, has enjoyed success as a singer herself, with hits like 'This Is It' and 'Put The Needle On It'.

As part of the new series - which is set to hit TV screens in August - Dannii will have to mentor one of the groups of contestants.

The next series of the popular ITV show will see contestants split into groups of boys aged 14-25, girls aged 14-25, 25s and over, and those performing as a group.

Pretty Dannii said: "The X Factor auditions are my favourite. The more they can't sing, the funnier it is. I know that sounds terrible, but we all love a bit of car-crash reality TV."

24dash.com