Dannii Minogue is in secret talks to make a shock return to The X Factor, it has been claimed today.

Auditions for the new series are just weeks away and, while Gary Barlow has confirmed his return and Louis Walsh and Tulisa are reportedly [uuid=abba67c5-87f7-4f6f-bfdb-abf6f5244ac8]set to sign new contracts any day now[/uuid], there has been much speculation as to who will take the remaining spot on the judging panel.

Last week, reports suggested [uuid=9c43fdf9-7d1c-4853-b587-7118da88bc82]Kelly Rowland would not be back[/uuid] for the new series and Katy Perry's name was mentioned in connection with a possible guest judging role.

Now it's rumoured Dannii might step back onto the X Factor stage as the fourth mentor.

An insider told The Sun: "Simon has always been a fan of Dannii's - and she is keen for a return to Britain after the [uuid=53ce444d-32ae-4fb0-903d-0eb36e854be7]end of her relationship with Kris.[/uuid]

"Re-joining The X Factor would be ideal. Producers are really keen to make it happen - and Dannii's team feel it would be the perfect move."

Dannii joined the ITV talent show in 2007 but [uuid=6ac091b7-f34b-45f0-a9b6-dc73d96ce642]quit last year[/uuid]in order to spend more time with boyfriend Kris and their new baby Ethan.

Last night a source close to the Aussie star told the Daily Mirror: "No formal offer has been made yet. If it is, she'll have to consider it."