Sharon Osbourne has come to the defence of X Factor judge Louis Walsh over allegations that he is bullying her arch-nemesis Dannii Minogue.

The former X Factor judge confirms that Dannii was the reason for her departure from the show while accusing the Aussie star of being manipulative.

Sharon told The Sun,“There’s the perception she’s the sweetest little thing in the world but she’s not.

“As an outsider looking in — and I am an outsider now — it’s the Simon and Cheryl show.

“She’s not the pretty one sitting next to Simon any more. She’s sitting next to old Louis!"

Dannii was left in tears on Saturday after Louis accused his fellow judge of stealing his act's song.

Sharon added,  “She obviously still sees Louis as being my friend and wants to get rid of him too."

Let's hope Dannii doesn't stick her claws into Britney this Saturday!