Dannii Minogue has admitted that she seriously considered not returning to the X Factor panel this year. The Australian judge added that she demanded fairer treatment and a better atmosphere in return for her coming back to the show.

Speaking to The Independent, she explained: “I’m not made of steel. It got heated on and off set, and there’s only so many times I can be pushed around.

“It got to the point where I had to defend my character. I’m sure the audience were eating it up, but it’s different when you’re actually in that seat. It was absolutely horrible. I would never want to go through that again, or see anyone else go through it. But it’s what you sign up for.”

She added: “This year there’s a really good vibe between us. Last year it was clear to everyone that I wasn’t having fun, and I made it very clear that if it was going to be anything like that again, then I didn’t want to go there.”