Dannii Minogue: Her Life In Pictures
Rex FeaturesDanielle ‘Dannii’ Minogue was born 20 October 1971 – the youngest of three children, with big bro Brendan, a news cameraman, and big sis Kylie, who you may have heard of… Dannii began her career in showbiz aged seven, appearing in Aussie soap operas before hitting the big time with a regular slot on hit weekly music show, Young Talent Time (a kind of Australian Mickey Mouse Club)
By Jessica David & Charlotte Duck
Rex FeaturesThe Minogue sisters appeared together on Young Talent Time as kids (though only Dannii became a regular cast member) – and have always been close despite the media’s attempts to drum up sibling rivalry. Dannii was a pillar of strength for Kylie during her cancer battle and Kylie is currently gushing over the news that Dannii’s to make her an auntie.
Rex FeaturesIn 1988, a 16-year-old Dannii joined the cast of hot Aussie soap Home & Away as rebellious teen-tearaway Emma Jackson. Dannii was only in the show for a year, but made enough impact to bag herself a recording contract - and a boyfriend in the form of co-star Julian McMahon.
Rex FeaturesIn 1991, Dannii released her first solo album Love And Kisses – which GLAMOUR.COM remembers fondly! With an oh-so, ‘90s poptastic new look (think under-wear as outer-wear, neon fur, bling and baggy trews), Dannii became a bona fide popstar and was invited to perform on the Royal Variety Performance by the Queen, no less.
Rex FeaturesIn 1994 Dannii married her boyfriend of four years, Nip/Tuck actor Julian McMahon – who she can be seen doing a spot of seaside-frolicking with in the video for her ’93 single This Is It. Their marriage lasted just a year, and Dannii has since said of the split: “My divorce has been my biggest regret and biggest downfall. It's a scar that I walk around with.”
Rex Features“I’d just had a marriage break-up. Most women go to the hairdressers – I did Playboy!” Amen to that, Miss Minogue. And Dannii didn’t just ‘do’ Playboy – an experience she has since described as “liberating and empowering” – she sent sales of the mag soaring! Her edition remains one of the most successful covers in Playboy history, selling out in just three days.
Rex FeaturesAn original racing WAG, Dannii got engaged to Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve in 1999, but it wasn’t to be and their relationship ended in ’01. Later that year, Dannii reinvented herself as a dance diva with smash single Who Do You Love Now? To date, Dannii has had 12 number one hit singles in the UK Dance Charts.
Rex FeaturesDannii trod the boards in 1999 when she took on the role of the notorious Lady MacBeth at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She received mixed reviews with one critic praising her “disco-queen-from-hell delivery”.
Rex FeaturesFollowing a stint in Australia’s Got Talent, the star was head-hunted by Simon Cowell as a mentor for the fourth series of the X Factor. Dannii gained a reputation for being a fair judge, but also for her regular spats with Sharon Osbourne.
Rex FeaturesIn 2008, Dannii hooked up with former rugby player and model Kris Smith. Talking about her relationship, the X Factor star said: "I have never experienced a love like this.”
PA PhotosDannii wowed at the 2008 GLAMOUR Women Of The Year Awards, picking up the TV Personality of the Year prize in her favourite designer, J’Adon Couture.
Rex FeaturesDannii showed a softer side during a recent TV interview with Piers Morgan. The star broke down in tears as she remembered the day she found out her sister Kylie had cancer and when she spoke about the aftermath of her divorce.
Rex FeaturesThis year Dannii has really found her fashion feet. Despite not having a stylist, she impressed X Factor audiences week on week by mixing established labels with up-and-coming designers.
PA PhotosDannii surprised everyone this year by announcing that she was expecting her first child in July. Speaking about her pregnancy, the star told GLAMOUR: “My boobs are definitely bigger! My tummy’s started to change shape too, although I’m pretty much the same weight.”
WHICH OTHER STARS ARE PREGNANT?
Cover girl! Dannii isn’t sure whether she’ll be returning to the X Factor this year when filming starts in April. “I’d love to be involved again, but to be honest, it’s the furthest thing from my mind – who knows?”
