X-Factor winner Matt Cardle says Simon Cowell has made ‘huge mistake’ in not bringing back Dannii Minogue for new show
Judge hopes that re-hiring Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger will boost ratings but singer disagrees
SIMON COWELL is hoping that bringing back SHARON OSBOURNE and NICOLE SCHERZINGER to The X Factor will turn around the show’s shock ratings slump.
But former winner MATT CARDLE believes Simon has missed a trick by not rehiring DANNII MINOGUE, who coached him in 2010.
In an exclusive interview Matt, left, told me: “I adore Simon but I think he’s made a huge mistake not bringing Dannii back.
“Dannii was the only judge who really cared about her acts in the year I won.”
Matt is back with new music – which I can’t wait to hear – and is taking it across the UK on his new Intimate & Live tour.
His old boss Simon admitted to having an affair with Dannii in 2012.
Dannii, who quit the Aussie X Factor in February, seemed to set her sights on a return to the UK version last year, saying: “I would never rule out coming back.”
But she didn’t make the final cut. Simon has been desperate to recapture the excitement of the 2010 series, which witnessed the birth of ONE DIRECTION.
A huge 19million viewers saw Matt win. It sounds like Si could do with Dannii’s help.
Mel doesn’t wannabe mates
THE SPICE GIRLS’ feud took a modern twist yesterday – as MEL B unfollowed MEL C on Twitter and Instagram.
Axing Sporty Spice from social media is a sure sign things are not rosy between the pair and confirms my exclusive that Mel C will not be part of the band’s 20th anniversary reunion, left.
I had already revealed VICTORIA BECKHAM had refused to take part, which means the girls are down to a trio. But all hope is not lost as Mel B joined GERI HORNER and EMMA BUNTON recently to discuss the prospect of doing something. They are one of my favourite bands ever so I really hope a three-piece Spice Girls does them justice.
After all, it did work for TAKE THAT.
Trump to Jen up on LGBT
THERE are going to be some awkward conversations in the Kardashian-Jenner households come the US election.
For while KIM and KHLOE KARDASHIAN and half-sisters KYLIE JENNER and KENDALL are backing HILLARY CLINTON, their parent CAITLYN JENNER is swaying towards DONALD TRUMP.
Caitlyn has offered to meet Trump despite the Republican Party’s mixed LGBT views. She previously supported TED CRUZ but he dropped out last month.
Caitlyn, speaking before Trump got the nod as party front-runner, said: “I made a comment that I liked Ted Cruz and he – as far as trans issues go – is probably the worst one of the lot. So that means Ted needs a little help! OK? And if he gets there, Trump may need some help too! And I’m willing to help him out, OK?”
Staying up Kate
HOLLYWOOD actress KATE BECKINSALE led the fashion pack at Christian Dior’s Cruise show yesterday.
She joined the likes of ELIZABETH OLSEN and ALEXA CHUNG at the event that saw model BELLA HADID take to the catwalk in front of boyfriend THE WEEKND.
Bella, who’s the new face of Dior make up, gave sister GIGI a run for her money backstage as she prepared for her moment on stage.
But it wasn’t just the runway show that drew their interest, as guests were shuttled up to Oxford’s Blenheim Place on an ornate train dubbed The Dior Express before being seated at the event.
Beats rush hour on the Tube...
Rod sails on
IF I look half as good as ROD STEWART at 71 then I’ll be over the moon.
The Scottish singer got it all out as he whipped his top off to cool down while holidaying in Venice, Italy.
Rod and his family - including his lovely wife PENNY LANCASTER - clearly coordinated their packing before getting on the plane judging by their matching outfits.
Their sons ALASTAIR and AIDEN were roped in for good measure as they joined their famous parents on board a gondola.
His break comes as the music legend added further dates to his From Gasoline Alley to Another Country arena tour ahead of tickets going on sale this Friday - taking him to twelve dates in total.
I’m not surprised he’s squeezing in some holiday time.
