Reports have emerged suggesting that X factor judges, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue rowed backstage just before the live show aired on Saturday night.

Sharon is said to have stormed into Dannii’s dressing room and accused her of gossiping about her.

A source told the Mirror: “Sharon was in her dressing gown and stormed into Dannii’s dressing room, accusing her of saying things about her.

“Dannii denied it and the row just escalated. Dannii was in tears.”

A friend of Osbourne denied reports of bullying. They commented: “Sharon is always painted as the bad guy, but she handpicked Dannii a £1,800 Chanel handbag and some candles and flowers for her birthday.

“That’s hardly the sort of thing you do if you’re having a row.”

The friend added: “Of course they’re not the best of friends - there’s a big age difference - but Sharon has been nothing less than pleasant to Dannii whenever she talks about her.”

A spokeswoman for the reality TV show said: “We’re unaware of any arguments backstage.”