'It felt like a pressure cooker': Dannii Minogue reveals she has had therapy after walking away from X Factor and says mental health was 'hidden' during the show's heyday

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Dannii Minogue has opened up about how she sought therapy after leaving the X Factor due to the pressure of appearing on the 'biggest show in the UK'.

The TV star, 50, admitted that her time on the show - blighted by her feud with fellow judge Sharon Osbourne - would have been a more positive experience if there was more discussion surrounding poor mental health.

Speaking to Psychologies magazine about the lack of awareness surrounding the topic at the time, Dannii said: 'None of that was spoken about.

Candid: Dannii Minogue has opened up about how she sought therapy after leaving the X Factor due to the pressure of appearing on the 'biggest show in the UK' (pictured 2010)

'You had this feeling that if you were in the public eye, you'd brought it on yourself, and so I didn't feel there was anybody thinking that it wasn't OK, apart from me.'

Detailing her support system, she added: 'My publicist in London and my manager have been through everything with me, and they're amazing people – very grounded.

'I've leaned on my family too. And, just recently, I've been working with a psychologist on how to strengthen my responses, process stuff and move forward.'

The singer confessed she thought they were 'great skills' to be able to pass on as a parent to her child, Ethan, 11.

Awareness: The TV star, 50, admitted that her time on the show - blighted by her feud with fellow judge Sharon Osbourne - would have been a more positive experience if there was more discussion surrounding poor mental health (pictured recently)

Dannii explained that the X Factor was a 'different world' and she felt like she was living in a 'pressure cooker' where the show would be on the front page of newspapers every day.

The mother of one said she felt stressed not knowing what else she would do because TV was all she'd known, but she ultimately decided to walk away due to the stress of the job. 

Admitting that she found it easy to walk away due to the impact on her mental health, Dannii said: 'No one walks away from a show like that, but I felt really, really fine about it.'

She added that she felt relieved she had  'survived' the wild ride of the X Factor after deciding it was time to call it a day. 

Winner! Despite her issues on the show, Dannii had a very successful stint during her four series of the X Factor, wining twice with Leon Jackson and Matt Cardle (pictured 2010)

Following her time in the intense spotlight of the biggest talent show on TV, Dannii revealed she now has to keep her personal life very private or else she 'can't do it'.

Dannii previously revealed her struggles on the ITV singing show almost led to quitting showbiz altogether amid her feud with then fellow judge Sharon.

She revealed in a 2019 interview that the entertainment business was 'crushing' her, as she also opened up about suffering with 'anxiety, depression and stress.' 

Dannii joined the X Factor's fourth series in 2007, where she acted as a judge alongside Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell.

The star famously didn't get along with Sharon and Louis, with her feud with Sharon in particular well documented.  

Dannii has previously told how Sharon made it 'very clear' of her disdain towards her, while in November 2008, Danniii broke down in tears live on air following a spat with Louis over a song choice. 

Opening up about her difficult time on the show, Dannii told how things got so tough that she considered bowing out of the entertainment industry altogether.

Struggle: She revealed in a 2019 interview that the entertainment business was 'crushing' her, as she also opened up about suffering with 'anxiety, depression and stress' (pictured 2010)

She told the Radio Times: 'If people have opinions on you that you can't change, you've got to try and let that go. If you're a kid, maybe you can decide not to play with those kids, but as an adult in a work situation, it's a lot harder. I had the opinion of the whole country, and I felt sometimes that that opinion was so skewed and not correct.

'There wasn't anything I could do about it, and it really got to a point where I was just happy to bow out, and not be part of entertainment anymore, because it was really crushing me and I felt it was just too much.'

The sister of Kylie Minogue went on to say that she tried her best to 'focus' on who she really was and come back stronger as it was 'not in my personality' to walk away from any situation.

Feud: The star famously didn't get along with Sharon and Louis, with her feud with Sharon in particular well documented (pictured 2007)

Sad: 'There wasn't anything I could do about it, and it really got to a point where I was happy to bow out, and not be part of entertainment anymore, because it was really crushing me' (pictured 2007)

However, the Put The Needle On It hitmaker also explained that at times, things got 'too much' and that ultimately, it began to affect her mental heath.

She explained: 'But I do think there's also a time where you put your hands up and say 'this is too much' – anxiety, depression, stress – everyone has to put their hands up when it really is too much for them.'

Despite her issues on the show, Dannii had a very successful stint during her four series of the X Factor, wining twice with Leon Jackson and Matt Cardle. 

Though she had a great track-record as a mentor, Dannii's miserable time on the show means she never considered a comeback.

Battle: 'I do think there's also a time where you put your hands up and say 'this is too much' – anxiety, depression, stress – everyone has to put their hands up when it really is too much' (pictured 2007)

She was told that the talent show was going in one direction, while was 'going in another' and while there had been rumours of a comeback, she confirmed that she 'never had a call' from the producers.

And while fans constantly ask her if she'll ever return, she declared that it's 'not been in my head.'

Dannii's bad experience on The X Factor didn't put her off talent shows however, as she went on to star on Australia's Got Talent, Let It Shine and The Masked Singer. 

It was reported in August that the X Factor has been axed after 17 years because he doesn't want it to 'become a bit of a joke.'

While around the world the format is still successful, it seems the music mogul has accepted in the UK 'it has become slightly stale' and so has reportedly decided to 'shelve it' for five years, but sources are claiming it's now 'unlikely' to ever return.

A show insider told The Sun: 'Globally, it is still a phenomenon and rakes in millions every year. But in the UK, there is no question it has become slightly stale. 

What!? It was reported in August that the X Factor has been axed after 17 years because he doesn't want it to 'become a bit of a joke (Simon Cowell, 61, Pictured in 2017)

'Simon remains at the top of his game and knows how to make a hit. He owns the rights to the show, and it's his call — not ITV's — whether or not he drops it. 

'Clearly the last thing he wants is for X Factor to fizzle out with a whimper and become a bit of a joke — especially in contrast to the show in its pomp.'   

The source explained there is the option for Simon to return the talent show in 2023, which would see auditions take place next summer. 

Why? Simon is said to have pulled the plug on the ITV talent show because he doesn't want it to 'become a bit of a joke' (Pictured in 2005 with judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh)

On the rise and fall: The X Factor ratings saw a dramatic rise and fall, with the show enjoying dizzying success and over 14million viewers on average in 2010

MailOnline has contacted Fremantle for comment. An ITV spokseperson told MailOnline: 'There are no current plans for the next series of The X Factor at this stage.' 

In the wake of the news, former X Factor stars Jedward and Katie Waissel reacted to with glee. 

The Irish twins, who shot to fame on the show in 2008, penned: 'Xfactor has been axed Mission Complete', while Katie, who appeared in 2010, shared the MailOnline's news alert and wrote: 'Journey for justice'.  

Businessman: While around the world the format is still successful, it seems that the music mogul has accepted that in the UK 'it has become slightly stale' (Pictured in 2019)

Happy: Jedward delighted in the news and branded the announcement 'Mission Complete'

Happy: Katie, who appeared in 2010, shared the MailOnline's news alert and wrote: 'Journey for justice'

New faces: N-Dubz's Tulisa Contostavlos joined the panel for 2011 and 2012 with Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland also appearing in 2011 (pictured with Louis and Gary Barlow in 2011)

While it's produced huge stars like 1D, Little Mix, Olly Murs and James Arthur, The X Factor has arguably taking a hit in ratings over the last few years. 

X Factor was hit by its lowest ever ratings when the Celebrity series aired its first live show earlier this year.

The ITV series recorded just 2.96 million viewers at one point, and by the last 15 minutes of the Celebrity special, just 2.99 million viewers were left.

Even with a 3.73 million peak, the ratings paled in comparison to the average viewing figures of 14.13 million that the show pulled in at its prime in 2010. 

Big shoes to fill: From 2011-2013, Take That's Gary Barlow stepped into Simon Cowell's shoes and Nicole Scherzinger also joined the show in 2012 (pictured with Sharon and Louis in 2013) 

It marked the lowest ratings since the franchise began in 2004, but sources claim The X Factor still remains the highest watched show for 16 to 34 year olds.

The apparent decision to axe the show comes hot on the heels of former contestants hitting out against the British music industry for 'exploiting' and treating them like 'cattle' since their overnight rise to fame. 

2010 X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson, 35, has called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry to help protect young and emerging artists and an independent tribunal to hold those responsible for poor treatment within the industry to account. 

Experts: The last traditional series of X Factor aired back in 2018, with judges Simon, Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field on the judging panel (pictured in 2018)

Her fellow contestant Cher Lloyd, 27, and double act Jedward, both 29, who appeared on the show the previous year, have also hit out at the industry and claimed they were also poorly treated.

Katie, earlier this year, claimed she was sexually assaulted by somebody on the X Factor team, years after appearing on the show.

The singer, 35, alleged the incident happened in the US when she met the person to talk about recording work.  

The singer said if she could change the past, she would never have appeared on the singing contest in 2010. 

Backlash: The apparent decision to axe the show comes hot on the heels of former contestants hitting out against the British music industry for 'exploiting' them (pictured Katie Waissel)

A spokesperson for Syco Entertainment said at the time: 'We were made aware via the media of Katie's claims in Autumn 2017 and we immediately contacted her and began an investigation. 

'We were naturally shocked at the allegations and wanted to do anything we could to help – so we asked her to lodge a complaint with us and detail the allegations for that purpose. In the interim we suspended the accused. 

'Despite a number of requests to Katie asking her to detail the claims to us, she chose not to make a complaint over his behaviour. As a result, and without other evidence to the contrary, we were obliged to accept his denial of the claims.  

'We, of course, remain ready and keen to investigate her claims if she so chooses to detail them to us and even though the alleged perpetrator no longer works for either Syco or Sony Music.' 

Huge success: JLS came second in 2008, but went on to make the most money, selling more than 10million records

Biggest winners: One Direction came third on the X-Factor in 2010 but are by far the most successful act to emerge from the show

While some X Factor stars went on to earn millions in the spotlight, many of the show's winners have failed or been dumped from their record labels as their careers floundered. 

The show's biggest success was One Direction- made up of Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik- before the band went on an indefinite hiatus at the peak of their success in 2016. 

Louisa Johnson, now 23, became The X Factor's youngest ever winner when she was crowned champion of the 2015 series of the TV talent show. 

Jesy Nelson has recently quit girl band Little Mix - who won the show in 2011 - to help her mental health after the pressure of being in the group started to take its 'toll' on her. 

James Arthur shot to fame after competing on the 2012 edition of The X Factor, which he went on to win. 

Olly Murs was runner-up in 2009's X Factor and has had an incredibly successful career in music since finding fame on the show.  

Surprise success: Despite being a novelty act, Jedward have made millions since not winning the show 

History makers: Little Mix were crowned the winners of The X Factor in 2011 when they become the first band to ever win the show in its history

Shayne Ward won the X-Factor 15 years ago, its second series. After a triumphant music career, he joined ITV soap Coronation Street where he played Aidan Connor until 2018.

Jedward - aka twins John and Edward Grimes - starred on X Factor in 2009, finishing third. Despite being a novelty act, they have gone on to release three albums. 

Alexandra Burke's big breakthrough came on X Factor in 2008, after she beat JLS in the final and her debut single, Hallelujah, sold 105,000 copies in a day.    

X Factor 'AXED': Jedward and Katie Waissel lead former contestants reacting to the show's 'cancellation'... as they delight in the news amid mass criticism over treatment of stars

Former X Factor stars Jedward and Katie Waissel have reacted to news that the show has been axed after 17 years with glee.

On Wednesday evening, it was reported that Simon Cowell, 61, has pulled the plug on the ITV talent show - which launched in 2004 and last aired in 2018 - because he doesn't want the programme to 'become a bit of a joke.' 

Hot on the heels of the news, the Irish twins, who shot to fame on the show in 2008, penned: 'Xfactor has been axed Mission Complete', while Katie, who appeared in 2010, shared the MailOnline's news alert and wrote: 'Journey for justice'. 

Katie, earlier this year, claimed she was sexually assaulted by somebody on the X Factor team, years after appearing on the show while Jedward have been open in their criticism of the show and its treatment of stars. 

Backlash: Former X Factor stars including Jedward and Katie Waissel (pictured) have reacted to news that the show has been axed after 17 years with glee

The decision to axe the show comes hot on the heels of former contestants hitting out against the British music industry for 'exploiting' and treating them like 'cattle' since their overnight rise to fame. 

2010 X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson, 35, has called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry to help protect young and emerging artists and an independent tribunal to hold those responsible for poor treatment within the industry to account. 

Her fellow contestant Cher Lloyd, 27, and double act Jedward, both 29, who appeared on the show the previous year, have also hit out at the industry and claimed they were also poorly treated.

Discussing her alleged assault, Katie, 35, said the incident happened in the US when she met the person to talk about recording work.  

Surprise success: Hot on the heels of the news, the Irish twins, who shot to fame on the show in 2008, penned: 'Xfactor has been axed Mission Complete', while Katie, who appeared in 2010, shared the MailOnline's news alert and wrote: 'Journey for justice'

Happy: Jedward delighted in the news and branded the announcement 'Mission Complete'

Happy: Katie, who appeared in 2010, shared the MailOnline's news alert and wrote: 'Journey for justice'

The singer said if she could change the past, she would never have appeared on the singing contest. 

A spokesperson for Syco Entertainment said at the time: 'We were made aware via the media of Katie's claims in Autumn 2017 and we immediately contacted her and began an investigation. 

'We were naturally shocked at the allegations and wanted to do anything we could to help – so we asked her to lodge a complaint with us and detail the allegations for that purpose. In the interim we suspended the accused. 

'Despite a number of requests to Katie asking her to detail the claims to us, she chose not to make a complaint over his behaviour. As a result, and without other evidence to the contrary, we were obliged to accept his denial of the claims.  

What!? On Wednesday evening, it was reported that Simon Cowell , 61, has pulled the plug on the ITV talent show - which launched in 2004 and last aired in 2018 - because he doesn't want the programme to 'become a bit of a joke' (Simon Cowell, 61, Pictured in 2017)

'We, of course, remain ready and keen to investigate her claims if she so chooses to detail them to us and even though the alleged perpetrator no longer works for either Syco or Sony Music.' 

Following on from Katie and Jedward's messages, Jack Remmington, who was a wildcard act in 2017 with his pal Joel Fisher, also took to Twitter to share a sarcastic message about his time on the show and Simon's behaviour. 

He penned: 'So sad The X Factor has officially ended. Had such a wonderful & supportive journey on that show...

'My favourite moment was when Simon, my mentor, told us when we were kicked out the live shows that ‘it was such a shame as he was just starting to like us’. Such a nice man xx...

Shock: Following on from Katie and Jedward's messages, Jack Remmington, who was a wildcard act in 2017 with his pal Joel Fisher, also took to Twitter to share a sarcastic message about his time on the show and Simon's behaviour  (Jack and Joel, pictured on the show)

'This was literally whilst the cameras were rolling as well, Dermot was still rounding off the show and Si dropped that bomb on us whilst we were still standing on stage so just had to smile and laugh like he’d told some shite joke haahah... 

'Just to reiterate - we had been at our audition, bootcamp, judges’ houses and weeks of live shows, spanning months over the year under his ‘mentorship’. To then be told this as our journey ended'.

Shock: Jack shared the story with his 63.1k followers, four years after his appearance 

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