X Factor judge Tulisa admits she's paranoid about 'fag ash breath'

Photo: WENN

Tulisa has revealed she was deeply hurt by fellow X Factor judge Gary Barlow's comments that she has 'fag-ash breath', made on last weekend's show.

The ex N-Dubz star was at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards last night (31 October) and spoke to Digital Spy about the insult thrown at her by Gary Barlow during The X Factor.

Tulisa admitted that 'fag ash breath' is something she fears, saying, "The truth is, Gary had nothing to say. And that was his comeback.

"He knows it's something I'm paranoid about it as a smoker, so that's why he said it. I'm over it now, though."

She went on to speak about her friend and personal assistant Gareth Varey, who recently broke his ankle while helping Tulisa home from club Mahiki after a party night out.

Tulisa said, "It's not too good. It's all casted up and he's got a broken ankle, but he's still here tonight with his crutches. What a trouper. I've been wheeling him around."

She finished by commenting on whether X Factor judges have been tactical voting in order to get rid of their strongest competition, although she remained tight-lipped saying: "Not as far as I know. Maybe!"

Tulisa's assistant Gareth Varey hobbles on crutches after an incident at Mahiki.

On the show, Barlow was the first to issue an personal remark, after Tulisa laid down some harsh criticism for Barlow's artist, Christopher Maloney.

The N-Dubz singer blamed Barlow for a poor song choice - saying that Barlow did the same thing "over and over again" with Maloney, criticising Barlow for picking eighties songs week after week on the show.

"Tulisa, I don't know what's offended me more," an offended Barlow replied. "What you said or the fag ash breath."

Never one to back down from a confrontation, moments later, Tulisa hit back saying: "Just a note for Gary - lay off the red wine because I can really smell that as well."

Barlow later confessed to have enjoyed a "little sip" in his dressing room before the show, as the pair patched up their differences on The Xtra Factor show later that evening.

Watch the confrontation between the judges below: