Simon Cowell has made no secret of the fact that he is unsure that mum to be and X Factor judge Dannii Minogue will be able to return as a judge when the show starts filming .

The reason for his conbcern is that Minogue’s baby is due in July and Cowell fears that it could upset the production of the show.

Cowell has given Minogue to weeks to assure him that

1. Minogue will be in good health due to the fact that the live shows begin just weeks after she is due to have given birth to the baby.

We have two thoughts on this point the first is that as any mother knows you can never predict the way the birth of the child will go, and the second that it is sort of sweet that Cowell first concern is for Minogue’s health.

The second Point Cowell wants reassurance on is that she will be able to give the show her full attention.

And thirdly that she will mentor the contestants correctly.

A source close to Cowell has said

“Simon is genuinely concerned about whether Dannii will be able to cope with the show. It’s hard enough for someone who doesn’t have young kids. As well as the actual show, there is the mentoring and all the backbiting and bitchiness that goes with that.”

“It’s not easy keeping sane when you’re surrounded by youngsters desperate for fame who are relying on you to tell them what to do.”

Minogue has planned to have the baby in Australia so she will miss the early rounds of the show which means that the bosses of the show will need to find some stand in judges until her return.

The first wave of auditions kicks off on April 11 but the first filming involving judges takes place on June 9 in Glasgow, followed by eight more in Cardiff, London and Birmingham.

There are then four judging sessions in Dublin and Manchester and the boot camp stages in July – just as Dannii will be having the baby.

Cowell wants to make a decsion in the next fortnight.