DANNII Minogue was ­devastated last night after ­being axed from the X Factor – in a shock last-minute shake-up.

The fans' favourite told friends she was "gutted" at being dumped from the show to be replaced by the N-Dubz singer Tulisa, 22.

Show producers ordered the ­bombshell move as part of a sensational overhaul of the show – which will leave Louis Walsh as the only ­surviving judge.

But fans were ­outraged by the ­decision and ITV faced a backlash which puts it at risk of losing millions of viewers.

"Show producers realise this is a gamble but they felt the programme needed a fresh start and that it was time for Dannii to move on," said an X Factor insider.

"She has been the ultimate ­professional and a brilliant judge, but The X Factor is now looking to the future without Dannii as part of it."

Yesterday Dannii, who mentored last year's winner, Matt Cardle, 28, said she was not taking part because filming clashed with her judging on Australia's Got Talent. In a statement she said: "I'm so disappointed that I can't be a part of The X Factor this year. I'm going to miss the show and the ­amazing team who work so incredibly hard on it.

"During discussions for me to return it became clear that, unfortunately, the audition dates in the UK clash with my live shows of Australia's Got Talent during June and July."

However friends of Dannii, 39, said privately she is "seething" at being forced out.

She told friends that the first round of auditions for the programme had been switched to accom­modate new judge Gary Barlow – but meant it clashed with her commitments Down Under.

Filming was originally set to begin in Manchester this Wednesday but has now been put back ­until June 1 in Birmingham so Simon Cowell can fly in from the US to personally oversee the new regime.

One pal said: "Dannii felt as if heaven and earth was being moved for Gary and it left her sidelined.

"She didn't want to leave. She loved being on the show and is gutted at having to go."