Dannii Minogue is reportedly just days away from signing a contract that will see her returning as a judge on the 2010 series of X Factor.

The Australian singer is pregnant with her first baby and rumours had suggested that Simon Cowell may drop her from the panel because she would be unable to attend the summer auditions for the show. However, it has now been suggested that Dannii will be replaced by celebrity guest judges at audition stages and will watch hopefuls on video to help her decide who to keep at later stages of the show.

A source close to X Factor boss Simon Cowell told The News Of The World: “The vibe about Dannii is very positive. She had a great year on the show. Everyone’s keen to work out a way for Dannii to be involved as much as possible.” When the deal’s done producers will recruit high-profile stars like Beyonce to guest judge the auditions. Getting Dannii’s sis Kylie would be a coup.

An ITV source said: “The producers will meet Dannii this week to discuss the logistics. We want her back, it’s just a question of how, as she’ll give birth in the middle of things. It’s about working out how to work that into the show. We could film Dannii at her house to show viewers she was still closely involved. Then we’d make a really big deal about her return after giving birth.”

A pal of Dannii said: “She’d love to be back. She’ll do everything to make that happen.”