After months of speculation, popstar Dannii Minogue has been confirmed as a new judge on The X Factor - alongside Grease Is The Word judge Brian Friedman. The two newcomers will both replace Louis Walsh, who was given the boot by rival Simon Cowell ahead of the show's fourth series. Sharon Osbourne keeps her place as a mentor on the revamped contest, which hits screens at the end of the summer. Dannii said: "I can't wait to be part of The X Factor team and getting up close and personal on a daily basis with Simon. "But he'd better watch out because when it comes to mentoring the acts the gloves will definitely be off." The 35-year-old is talking tough already, despite mixed success in her own pop career. "Just because I'm the new girl I won't be a pushover - he'll soon see my competitive streak," she said. US choreographer Brain, who worked with Britney Spears on her hits Toxic and I'm A Slave 4 U, said: "I'm flattered to be offered such a coveted position. "After the warm welcome the UK has already given me, I'm overjoyed to be extending my stay." Dannii's also pretty pleased about Brian's appointment: "He's hot and all my friends love watching him too," she said. She'll be spoilt for choice, as ladies' favourite Dermot O'Leary has already been confimed as the show's new host. Open auditions for the next series of The X Factor will be held at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal's home in north London, on Saturday June 9.
