Dannii Minogue plans return to X Factor despite Cowell's affair revelation

London, Apr 30 (ANI): Dannii Minogue is reportedly in secret talks to make a sensational comeback on 'The X Factor'.

The news comes after insiders confirmed that Kelly Rowland would not be back for the new series later this year.

Minogue apparently began talks over a return before her affair with Simon Cowell became public.

Negotiations with producers started a month ago, after her relationship with boyfriend Kris Smith broke down.

Friends insist that returning to the UK and the hit ITV1 talent show is just what she needs.

And boss Cowell will welcome her with open arms, even though his disclosures about their affair in the unauthorised biography about him left her devastated.

"Simon has always been a fan of Dannii's - and she is keen for a return to Britain after the end of her relationship with Kris," the Sun quoted an insider as saying.

"Re-joining The X Factor would be ideal. Producers are really keen to make it happen - and Dannii's team feel it would be the perfect move," the insider said.

The 40-year-old was a judge for four series from 2007, during which she and Cowell had an affair.

But she left after deciding to move back to Australia to focus on her relationship with Kris and new son Ethan.

Minogue is still a judge on Cowell's Australia's Got Talent. That show is about to start airing and would clash with some X Factor audition dates, which are due to begin in Cardiff on May 15.

But insiders claim that bosses would accommodate Minogue, even allowing her to miss some. (ANI)