Dannii Minogue: My year from hell

The TV judge breaks her silence on surviving life’s hurdles in the spotlight.

Dannii Minogue is renowned in showbusiness for her positivity — but after her split from Kris Smith, a humiliating sex scandal with Simon Cowell and a serious health scare, you wouldn’t blame her for feeling a little defeated. But that’s not Dannii’s style. “I’m not a misery…other people have much harder stuff to deal with than what I’m going through,” the single mother to Ethan, 2, told UK Glamour magazine last week.

Opening up for the first time since Sweet Revenge: The Intimate Life Of Simon Cowell was published in April, the Australia’s Got Talent judge remained dignified, although clearly hurt by the memoir. “I haven’t read the book but I’ve been told about the excerpts that relate to me and the speculation about my private life,” the 40-year-old told the magazine.

“They looked very pleased with it all at their launch. I’m sure it makes for a great read and I wish them all the best.” The book, which alleges Simon and Dannii had “a few bonks and then it petered out” was another blow in what has been a tough year. A thyroid condition and nasty bout of appendicitis left her immune system shot to pieces.

“It was a scary time because I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I remember looking at Ethan in the cot and thinking, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to pick him up’ — I had that little energy. Now, for the first time in ages, I really feel like I’m back in my body. I have to take tablets every day for my thyroid and I have regular blood tests to monitor it, but I finally feel good again.”