[Red Moon]

DANNII TO BE AXED

EXCLUSIVE Song row is final straw for Cowell

X Factor judge Dannii Minogue WILL be axed at the end of the series after her latest bust-up proved the final straw for show boss Simon Cowell.

Dannii has been frozen out following an argument over song choices with Louis Walsh last week.

Until now she has been able to rely on her friendship with Louis - who she has worked with on the last two series.

But he was said to be furious after she refused to allow his band JLS to sing Take That hit Rule The World on last night's show - because she'd earmarked it for her act, Rachel Hylton.

A source close to the panel said: "It was not the wisest move. Louis was the closest thing Dannii had to a friend on the show.

"When it came down to it, Cheryl Cole and Simon both took Louis' side. It's left Dannii vulnerable and alone."

Now insiders say Cowell has come to the conclusion that Dannii no longer has any future on the show.

Dannii has failed in recent attempts to build bridges with Cheryl.

Our well-placed source revealed: "Dannii knows her days are numbered unless she can get back on side with one of the judges.

"Recently she has been trying to get in with Cheryl by inviting her to lunch and suggesting nights out together.

"But Cheryl keeps making excuses.

"The fact is it's all too little, too late. It's now only a matter of time until the axe comes down."

The bust-up is the latest in a series of problems surrounding Dannii.

Earlier this month Cowell was said to be furious when former crack addict Rachel Hylton essentially sacked Dannii as her mentor following disputes over her performance and image. Mum-of-five Rachel, 26, said she would pick her own song and style her performance without any help from her Dannii - the first time an act has ignored their mentor.

And last month the Sunday Mirror told how Dannii clashed with Simon when last year's winner Leon Jackson sang live on the show.

She took full credit for Leon's success and told viewers on the live show: "Simon did not discover Leon. He didn't even want him in the competition."

We revealed how furious Simon reacted by telling Dannii: "Don't you ever show me up like that again."

Source: Sunday Mirror