OK, again, here's how that conversation went:
"Hi Kelly, it's Simon. OK before you start, I know you got the hump when I asked Nicole Scherzinger instead of you to replace Cheryl on the US X Factor, 'cause you're just so much more talented than her, and so on, but here's the deal. Dannii Minogue… Kylie's sister… there you go, well she agreed to let me say I had an affair with her while I was spilling all for an "unauthorised biography" and in return she wanted her seat back. So here are your choices - either I publicly fire you, like I did with Cheryl, or you could just say you have 'global commitments' and with the show's 'increasing demands' you can't agree a deal that 'fits' into your schedule. Do we have a deal?"
Yes you do, Simon.
The Sun have a slightly differing take this morning, with 'an X Factor source' saying "Kelly was never given a contract to look at by bosses. Simon has remained a big fan of Dannii's and wants her back… Kelly put a lot of people's noses out of joint last year due to her lack of commitment and her demands."
Meanwhile, a 'a pal of Kelly's' added: "Kelly had been in talks with ITV. They wanted more of her time for no more money."
What, like "more time" as in request that she didn't bugger off to L.A. to promote her single and miss a show in which she delivered the worst "I caaaan't make it into work today *ahems* I've got huuuurty throoooat" voice ever?
Meanwhile, Tulisa is thrilled at the prospect of working with Dannii, saying "I used to watch X Factor before I got on the panel. I always thought Dannii was great and I'm sure we'd get on really well." Until the producers tell you otherwise.
