Walsh denies Minogue axe claims

Louis Walsh has retracted his claim that Dannii Minogue will be axed from The X Factor next year.

Speaking to a Sunday newspaper earlier this month, the Irish judge predicted that Minogue would be dropped because producers are keen for Sharon Osbourne to make a return.

However, in an interview with New! magazine, Walsh insisted: "That's not going to happen. That was just me trying to be funny. It was a joke!"

Asked about his relationship with Dannii, he continued: "I'm getting on fine with her. I think she's better than Kylie. I was dubious at first about her coming onto the show. But she proved herself."

Walsh also denied claims that the Aussie popstar is furious after Simon Cowell started ignoring her in favour of new judge Cheryl Cole.

He said: "Simon is giving more attention to Cheryl. She's the new kid on the block. Last year it was Dannii. But nothing fazes Dannii."

The X Factor continues tonight at 7.25pm on ITV1.