Osbourne: Minogue was hired for her looks

Sharon Osbourne has claimed that fellow X Factor judge Dannii Minogue was hired because of her appearance.

During an interview on BBC2's Graham Norton Show, she said: "Dannii knows she’s there because of her looks, not because of her contribution to the music industry."

She also added fuel to rumours that Minogue is romantically involved with Simon Cowell, saying: "She’s younger. She’s better-looking. Simon wants her and he doesn’t want me... thank God!”

Osbourne criticised Niki Evans' elimination from the ITV1 show last week, telling Norton: "It was a travesty she got the boot. I felt she was what the show was about.

“She hasn’t really had a break in her life; she represents every working mum in the country, and they boot her off!"

She added: “And as for Rhydian - of course he’s going to win, but what do I know anymore?"