Calm before the X Factor storm

It's four days to go until The X Factor hits our screens again, and it looks like the judges are getting in as much rest as possible before it all kicks off.

Dannii Minogue was spotted at Heathrow getting onto a flight to her native Australia, where she'll no doubt be enjoying a few weeks of "quiet time" before the mentoring stage begins.

Abroad: Dannii Minogue heading off to Australia

She says her infamous spat with Louis Walsh last year is behind them, adding: "This year I feel we have all had our own strong opinions and we have each pleaded for another judge to say a yes' so we can get someone through that we believe in.

"Hopefully this way no talent has been left behind."

Meanwhile, Louis was spotted with a male pal going into The Ritz hotel in Piccadilly.

Quiet night out: Louis Walsh and a pal at The Ritz hotel last night

His 2008 runners-up JLS hit No1 in the charts last month with Beat Again, and he has landed the group category again this year.

Some guys have all the luck.