Cowell threatens to sack 'X Factor' judges

Simon Cowell has threatened to sack X Factor judges Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue if they do not learn to get along.

Sharon and Dannii's feud was one of the main talking points of last year's series. The pair denied rumours of conflict for most of the show's run, despite constant tabloid claims of backstage rows.

However, the pair's rivalry became public when Dannii complained that Sharon and Louis Walsh were trying to bully her.

Osbourne later used an appearance on a TV chat show to mock Dannii and claim that she was only hired for her looks, which led to Cowell criticising Sharon for her behaviour.

"It's nearly contract time again. Sharon said she doesn't want to come back with Dannii - and Dannii said she doesn't want to work with Sharon," an insider told The Sun.

"But Simon has banged both their heads together and told them, 'If you don't shut up - I can replace you both'. They don't have to be best friends - but they do have to work together."

However, the source added: "Bosses know that viewers were hooked on the backstage battles between Sharon and Dannii and they want to keep them both on board - it makes for very interesting TV."