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Dannii Minogue has admitted that she is being "snubbed" by Simon Cowell on the set of The X Factor this year.
The Australian judge claimed that Cowell no longer speaks to her because he is so enthralled by his new recruit Cheryl Cole.
However, Minogue insisted that she is finding the ITV1 talent show more enjoyable than last year because she no longer has to deal with her old rival Sharon Osbourne.
"I guess Simon and I don't talk much any more, definitely nothing like last year when I was next to him on the panel and was also the new girl," Minogue told the News of the World. "He moved me away from him and now sits next to Cheryl and is in her ear all the time. It is a snub but I'm fine. It's nothing compared to what I had to go through last year."
The popstar added that dealing with criticism in the press has been her biggest challenge this series. As well as facing jokes about her appearance, her mentoring skills have been called into question following reports that her act Rachel Hylton wants to work alone.
"Lots of people do taunt me, but I put it to one side and carry on with my job, which I take very seriously," Minogue explained. "I back my contestants 150 per cent and so much that has been written about me is unfair.
"I actually talk to Cheryl now more than I talk to Simon. It's a very different atmosphere behind the scenes but I'm strong enough to keep on going and try and ignore all the negativity."
Minogue is now the only judge with three contestants remaining in the competition after Cole lost her first act, Laura White, in last night's show.
