No X Factor for Dannii Minogue

Dannii Minogue will not be returning to The X Factor as a judge.

Talks with the former panellist about a possible comeback have ended, less than a week before the audition process begins.

Show bosses have confirmed she will not be returning to the show, and guest judges are being lined up to step in for the early stages of the contest.

Dannii was in negotiations to reprise her role on the show after last year's panellist Kelly Rowland ruled herself out.

The Australian entertained the idea of a return despite disclosures that she and show boss Simon Cowell had an affair, which came to light last month. But discussions have now foundered.

It is understood guest judges were already being considered as Dannii would only have been able to attend two of the auditions. But show bosses still want to agree a deal with a judge in the coming days, to join Tulisa Contostavlos, Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh.

An X Factor spokeswoman said: "The panel will be confirmed shortly."

Yesterday Dermot O'Leary was announced as host for the forthcoming series, which will come back to ITV1 later this year. It will be his sixth series.