Cowell Threatens X Factor Judges With The Sack

Simon Cowell has threatened to sack X Factor judges Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue if they do not learn to get along.

Sharon and Dannii's feud was the topic on everyone's lips during last year's (boring) series. The pair denied any rumours of a conflict despite reports of backstage bust-ups.

However, the pair's rivalry became public when Dannii complained that Sharon and Louis Walsh were trying to bully her. Sharon was then criticisied by Simon after she mocked Danni and claimed that the Aussie star was only hired for her looks.

A source told The Sun, "It's nearly contract time again. Sharon said she doesn't want to come back with Dannii - and Dannii said she doesn't want to work with Sharon."

"But Simon has banged both their heads together and told them, 'If you don't shut up - I can replace you both'. They don't have to be best friends - but they do have to work together."

The insider added, "Bosses know that viewers were hooked on the backstage battles between Sharon and Dannii and they want to keep them both on board - it makes for very interesting TV."

Louis Walsh was axed before last year's series and replaced by Brian Friedman. However Friedman later found another position on the show and Walsh returned to The X Factor.