Cole, Minogue 'forming close friendship'

Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have reportedly formed a close friendship during the audition stages for the latest X Factor series.

The pair, who have previously been subject to reports of infighting on the ITV1 show, are said to have finally put past differences behind them.

"Things have totally changed with Cheryl and Dannii, you can't keep them apart at the auditions - they love gossiping and chatting about their hair and clothes," an X Factor insider told Heat. "They've gone from being merely co-workers to becoming mates."

According to reports, Cole offered her support to Minogue during the final stages of the last series.

"Things started to thaw between the girls at the end of the live shows last year, after Cheryl saw what a bad time Dannii was having with Louis," the source added.

"Cheryl didn't like seeing her Dannii upset and started to go into the dressing room a bit more to say hi. But she really stepped things up when she phoned Dannii to congratulate her on signing the new contract and they had a nice chat.

"Dannii really appreciated her calling, and it meant that when they saw each other at the first audition in Glasgow, things were so much easier than before."

The insider added: "Before each audition, they were swapping texts about what they were planning to wear, so they didn't clash. They've also had a giggle over some of the stories in the press - they've really bonded over it."

Minogue reportedly treated Cole to a £2,000 Yves Saint Laurent ring as a birthday present earlier this month.