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Dannii Minogue in contention for X Factor return as part of celebrity special judging panel
IT’S been almost a decade since Dannii Minogue was last seen as a judge on The X Factor and now I can reveal Simon Cowell is considering bringing her back for his new revamped show.
The Aussie singer, who left the talent series in 2010, is among the star names under consideration by bosses for a return to the ITV juggernaut to help revive its struggling ratings.
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Bosses would love her to help recreate the success of her last season, which saw 19.4million viewers tune in.
Since then, Dannii has been enjoying being a mum to her nine-year-old son Ethan and splitting her time between Los Angeles and her native Australia with her music producer fella Adrian Newman.
A telly source said: “X Factor bosses would love to have Dannii back on the panel — she was part of the show’s dream team in its heyday.
“Her chemistry with the other judges was electric and she loved the role.
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“She has fond memories of the show as it gave her such a great platform, but she is really happy with her life now and isn’t sure she wants to rock the boat.
“It would also be very dependent on who she sat next to on the panel as rumours at the time said she didn’t get on well with Sharon Osbourne.
“Simon thinks it would be a real coup to have her and she is definitely someone he has mooted.”
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It comes as last year’s judges Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field announced recently that they would not be returning.
Earlier this year Simon revealed plans to overhaul the long-running format by launching two new versions — including an all-star show.
At this point I’d say anything is worth a try . . . but bringing back Dannii is definitely a top shout.
READ ON FOR MORE OF ANDY HALLS' BIZARRE TV COLUMN
‘Kev thinks I Do-oley’
THEY only went public as a couple a few weeks ago, but Strictly’s Kevin Clifton has already introduced Stacey Dooley to his parents.
The besotted pro dancer has even told friends he is thinking about marriage – which would make it the FOURTH time he has walked down the aisle.
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It comes as documentary maker Stacey’s ex Sam Tucknott branded Kevin a “rat” for starting the fling before they split earlier this year.
A telly source said: “Kevin has already taken her to meet his mum and dad. He thinks she’s wife material. He’s telling all his pals how he thinks he’s finally met the one. He’s completely in love.”
I think a period of abstinence might help creepy Kev.
bizbit
KATE Humble is supporting her BBC wildlife colleague Chris Packham after he received a death threat for his campaign to stop birds being shot. She said: “I just think nobody deserves that sort of appalling and gutless treatment.”
must watch
WHAT? Lee And Dean, Channel 4, 10pm.
WHY? Lee is desperate to show Dean he’s changed his ways so the builders have a day out together. Dean comes to terms with his past and the problems in his relationship with Dani.
Marv ’n missus to be a hit
HERE’S the first look at husband and wife duo Marvin and Rochelle Humes as new hosts of their debut show together.
The couple will front BBC1 series The Hit List – which The Sun revealed last year when it was known as Playlisters.
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The music quiz, on later this year, sees couples have to name a song and artist based on a clip for the chance to win £10,000.
Marvin and Rochelle, who have been guest presenters on ITV’s This Morning, are hoping to be a hit with Saturday night viewers. Given their own pop background I’d put money on them being great contestants . . .
bizbit
EASTENDERS’ Dean Gaffney is looking for a woman closer in age after splitting from model ex, 16 years his junior. Dean, 41, said: “I’m only dating women in their thirties. I don’t want someone the same age as my daughters – it’s weird for them.”
A pukka life for TV Jamie
FROM launching his own restaurant chain to having five kids, life has been rather “pukka” for Jamie Oliver ever since he first hit screens with The Naked Chef in 1999.
And now Channel 4 will be celebrating two decades of the cookery legend with a new “This Is Your Life” style prime-time show hosted by Davina McCall.
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Cameras will go behind the scenes at the Oliver household giving unique access to Jamie, his wife Jools and their kids.
And the show will delve into just how much life has changed for the chef since he first appeared on the BBC.
A source said: “Jamie’s good pal Davina will sit down with him for a cosy chat about the highs and lows of his career. It will be charted with photos, news clips and interviews with a host of stars and old friends as well as special messages from those he has met along the way.”
The one-off special will be broadcast on Channel 4 later this year.
soapbox
THERE is a blast from the past in HOLLYOAKS as Russ’s sister Nicole Owen returns to the village after 12 years.
She was last seen trying to talk her brother out of marrying Mercedes first time around back in 2007.
And it seems Nicole is still not a fan as she tells Mercy she is taking Max away to live with her rather than the McQueens.
In EASTENDERS, Keanu is stunned when Louise finally finds the courage to tell him she is pregnant.
He turns to his mum for advice, while she consults her best friend, Bex.
Lou realises she and Keanu need a talk, but then interrupts a chat between her man and her dad, which looks like leaving her heartbroken again.
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