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Dannii Minogue's 'playing dirty on X Factor'
By Lucretia Munro, London Lite Last updated at 13:03pm on 30.09.09The auditions are barely over, but already the X Factor judges have their claws out. Simon Cowell's right-hand woman Sinitta has taken a swipe at his rival Dannii Minogue, accusing her of “dirty tricks”.
Kylie surprise: Sinitta last night; and Dannii
The Aussie judge, 37, has called on her sister Kylie to help her through the next stage of the competition, where the judges have to whittle down the six remaining acts in their category to just three.
But Sinitta, Cowell's ex and still a close friend, is not happy.
We caught up with the 40-year-old at the Macmillan De'Longhi Art Auction last night at The Avenue in Mayfair, where she told us: “Hasn't Dannii played dirty tricks by bringing Kylie on?
“Everyone thought there might be a chance that she would, but she never said a word until the last moment to any of the judges.
“Everyone is so in awe of Kylie, this will definitely work in her favour.”
Are the people in 49-year-old Simon's camp showing a few nerves ahead of the ITV talent show's live finals?
The high-waisted one is mentoring the over-25 group, while Dannii has a couple of hot favourites in her category, the girls.
This is not the first time Sinitta has hit out at Dannii Minogue.
Last year, the So Macho singer criticised Dannii for being annoying, when she said: “He doesn't like the fact that she's come into this series all cocky from winning it last year [with Leon Jackson], saying I'm going to win it again'.
“And she has been openly criticising him on live TV, which isn't a good idea — it's backfiring in her face.”
Video: The best bits from the X Factor auditions
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Reader views (15)
Oh how Simon loves to have his girls fighting 
- Daisy, East Anglia
I still can't believe that Brad Pitt dated her [shakes head in amazement]
- Lizard, London
I like Dannii and if she wants to invite her Sister along to help her out .. why not! It's fantastic that fame has not diminished their relationship. Personally I can't wait to see the Minogues together, they are both lovely. So keep your opinion to yourself Sinnitta !!
- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex
What a useless hanger on Sinitta is and boy does she make Cowell look and sound henpecked. She never had a career and has clung on to her 'friendship' with Cowell making herself a pretty unpleasant pushy know-it-all.she reminds me of the dreaded doctor's receptionists
Cowell and the Minogues can handle themselves without her pushing her attention seeking nose in
- Amazonmothe, hasting
I'm sure Simon Cowell is delighted that he has Kylie associated with HIS show!!
- Richard, LONDON
How sad and jealous of Sinitta, just because her "career" (ahem!) fell flat on it's nose years ago when no amount of posing in skimpy clothing could save it.
I don't understand people wanting to be a celebrity when they have no talent, everyone thinks she's a joke.
- D.W., London
Was Sinitta singing for her dinner inside or outside The Avenue?
- Jim, London
I can't believe Sinitta would accuse Danni of nepotism because she has used Kylie to her advantage in the past.i
- Kathy, London
Sinitta, Sinitta, Sinitta. Why is it you feel you have to add you two penneth worth? You are a sad little woman who will try anything to stay in the public eye. You of all people shouldn't be commenting on anything. You don't have ANY talent, you're a rubbish singer, performer um exactly what is it you do again???!!!
- Lorraine, London
Sinitta, I quite liked you until today. Talk about open your gob and put your foot in it...........I don't think even Simon's popularity can rescue you from this gaff.
- Mj, East Anglia
For god's sake, it's her own sister we are talking about! And what difference is that gonna make? It's not that Kylie is going to pick the winner, is it? Sinitta is so desperate, such an attention seeker. Get a job!
- Leah, London
Sinitta should really stay out of this and mind her own business! It looks to me as if she's trying to get Dannii's job...
- Corina, Dublin
Who cares what Sinitta thinks - and why shouldn't Danni have her sister on board. Is she after Danni's job!!!!
- Jennifer, London
Sinitta should kept her trap shut and leave Danny alone. For starters the other judges have famous people advising them too (except Simon who has her) and secondly her not infrequent bitching about Danny just makes her look pathetic. God knows what Simon saw in her.
- Isabel, Woking
If Cowell wanted Minogue out she would be he owns the rights to the program and is teh real producer of the show.
- Duncan, Kent
