Minogue: 'X Factor judging has changed'

Dannii Minogue has claimed that the atmosphere on The X Factor judging panel has changed this year.

Minogue broke down in tears during the 2008 series after show rival Louis Walsh claimed that she had stolen a song off his group JLS for her artist Rachel Hylton. Afterwards, the Irish judge suggested that Minogue may have been faking her crying to win sympathy.

The Australian pop singer said that she was persuaded to come back for another series by producers, who promised her things would be "different" if she returned.

Speaking to Denise Van Outen in Now magazine, Minogue confessed that she "almost strangled" Walsh after the incident.

When asked whether Simon Cowell persuaded her to return, the 37-year-old said: "There was no direct call from him, just lots of talks with the producers. They kept telling me it would be different this year and it is, thank God."

Minogue also revealed that she is confident of victory in this year's show, adding: "I really would be disappointed if I'm not there until the end."