Walsh: 'Dannii as talented as Kylie'

Louis Walsh has said that Dannii Minogue is equally as talented musically as her sister Kylie.

The X Factor judge backed his reality TV co-star to return for the live shows later this year, claiming that they are now good friends.

"I want Dannii back for the live shows. We had a spat a couple of years ago but last year we got on," he told the Daily Record.

"She looks fabulous and works incredibly hard behind the scenes on The X Factor."

Speaking about Dannii's failure to match her sister's chart success, he added: "I do think Dannii was unlucky. If she had had the big machine her sister Kylie had, she would be just as successful."

Walsh also revealed that he supported plans for a revolving team of guest judges during the X Factor auditions while Minogue was on pregnancy leave. The Irish boyband manager suggested Elton John, David Bowie, Robbie Williams, Spice Girl Mel B and Shirley Bassey as potential stand-ins.