'X Factor' bosses 'not replacing Dannii'

X Factor bosses have reportedly dismissed speculation that Dannii Minogue will be axed from the show.

The Sun had suggested that programme chiefs, including Simon Cowell, had been open to replacing the Australian judge in the forthcoming series.

However, speaking to ITN, Cowell's publicist Max Clifford has insisted that the rumours are untrue.

"These kind of things are put about by unscrupulous journalists and media people who make up all kinds of stories all the time to sell newspapers," he said.

Sinitta, who helps to mentor Cowell's contestants, added: "I honestly don't know and that's why I keep saying 'she'll be back, she'll be back'.

"Nothing has been said officially to any of us and until it is I don't know what is happening."

Final contract negotiations for the judges - which include Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole - are scheduled to take place in March.

Charlotte Church recently ruled out the possibility of joining the panel.