THE official line is the usual "scheduling conflict" but UK reports claim Dannii Minogue was pushed from Britain's version of X Factor in a "shock" last-minute shake-up of the judging panel.

As the diminutive beauty took to Twitter yesterday, explaining she was forced to step away from her seat on the judging panel after four years due to a clash with the local production of Australia's Got Talent, talk turned to whether Minogue was cut loose to reinvigorate the talent show's format.

It sure seems strange that Minogue would turn her back on a show that averaged 14.3 million in the UK last series compared to AGT, which is watched by 1.75 million here.

Yesterday Minogue, who has already been replaced by UK R&B star Tulisa , said: "I'm so disappointed that I can't be a part of the X Factor this year. I'm going to miss the show and the amazing team who work so incredibly hard on it.
"During discussions for me to return it became clear that unfortunately, this year, the audition dates in the UK clash with my live shows of Australia's Got Talent during June and July."

Her local rep also insisted scheduling meant the dual roles became impossible.

It's thought the new UK dates were to accommodate another new judge, Take That singer Gary Barlow.

Show creator Simon Cowell and judge Cheryl Cole have already quit the UK to concentrate on the US version.

Minogue, partner Kris Smith and baby Ethan split their time between Melbourne and the UK.
Source:www.news.com