X Factor judge, Dannii Minogue has admitted that Simon Cowell has been giving her the hard shoulder on this years series of the show.

“I guess Simon and I don’t talk much any more, definitely nothing like last year when I was next to him on the panel and was also the new girl,” Minogue told the News of the World. “He moved me away from him and now sits next to Cheryl and is in her ear all the time. It is a snub but I’m fine. It’s nothing compared to what I had to go through last year.”

Dannii added that the bashing she has taken in the press has been the hardest aspect of this years show.

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

“I actually talk to Cheryl now more than I talk to Simon. It’s a very different atmosphere behind the scenes but I’m strong enough to keep on going and try and ignore all the negativity.”