Dannii Minogue returning to X Factor?

Los Angeles - Dannii Minogue is in secret negotiations to return to The X Factor.

The Australian beauty - who was replaced on the ITV talent show last year by Kelly Rowland - began talks a month ago following the breakdown of her relationship with former rugby ace Kris Smith.

A source told The Sun: ''Simon has always been a fan of Dannii's - and she is keen for a return to Britain after the end of her relationship with Kris.

''Rejoining The X Factor would be ideal. Producers are really keen to make it happen - and Dannii's team feel it would be the perfect move.''

It would mean a clash with her current job as a judge on Australia's Got Talent, but bosses are so keen to have her return they are considering allowing her to miss some of the auditions for X Factor - which is due to begin in Cardiff on May 15.

Dannii is not the only name being touted as a possible replacement for Kelly on the show as Katy Perry is also being pursued by Simon Cowell.

An insider said: ''Kelly is 95% unlikely to return. Kelly was great in the auditions, but when she joined the live shows it just seemed that she didn't really relax and enjoy herself. And to be honest, she wasn't that popular with viewers.

''Hopefully, Katy Perry will have some kind of role on the series.''