Dumped X Factor contestant Laura White has defended Dannii Minogue in the wake of recent criticism in the press of Dannii’s mentoring skills.

The reports came after mother-of-five Rachel Hylton said she wanted to work without Dannii’s guidance.

However, Laura, who was voted off the show at the weekend, has praised Dannii for her dedication to the show, and says that the mentor and judge regularly attends rehearsals and always offers support to the contestants.

“I can’t criticise Dannii. Dannii’s been an absolutely wonderful mentor to all of them, I know she has,” Laura told the Manchester Evening News. “In rehearsals on a Sunday, she was the one that came and watched. Dannii’s been so supportive of me. I’ve got so much respect for Dannii, I have.”

In a recent interview, Dannii said, “Lots of people do taunt me, but I put it to one side and carry on with my job, which I take very seriously. I back my contestants 150 per cent and so much that has been written about me is unfair.”