Tuesday 4th December 2012 by Michael Baggs | Photos by wenn.com

Tags: X Factor

James Arthur may not be the favourite to win the X Factor, but he's already proved he has one of the key talents to being a modern music star - he's a master at Twitter confrontations.

The talent show finalist has this week been embroiled in a vicious war of word with Frankie Boyle, the comedian who previously accused British Olympics hero Rebecca Adlington of having a dolphin's face. Now Boyle has turned his attention to singer Arthur, his appearance and his tattoos.

"James Arthur is like a cross between a tramp and a duckling," wrote Boyle on Twitter."

The X Factor finalist didn't hesitate to respond, tweeting back: "Poor old man making yet more sh*t jokes about X Factor because he knows that’s the only way he can get attention any more. Prat."

Not one to let matters lie, Boyle hit back hard, saying: "I think if I wanted attention I’d sing covers on a talent show, inked up like a school desk in a remedial class."

"I hope you didn’t spell your own tattoos. I also hope Simon’s demonic j*zz boils through your vocal cords."

Can James Arthur beat the unfathomably popular Christopher Maloney?

James Arthur gave as good as he got against the comic, who is well known for his outspoken views on others, their careers and talents. He then tweeted back a string of abuse aimed at Boyle.

"You’re a sad man and I can’t wait to see you coz it’s about time someone gave you a reality check," tweeted Arthur. "Have you seen the state of you? How can you make remarks about the way I look?

"Stop using my name to try to rekindle your career and making jokes about people on TV shows is one thing but you make jokes about people with ­disabilities, which is a disgrace.

"I wanna meet you and see if I don’t f*ck you up on behalf of many that hate you. Your children must be proud!"

The feud came to a head when Boyle slammed Arthur's appearance - a sore point for the talent show star, who once said he was 'too ugly' to be famous.

"Get a sense of humour you pompous alien-headed busker," tweeted Boyle, who also said Arthur looked like he had 'sheep's teeth in a baby's head'.

Arthus joins singers Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney in this weekend's X Factor live final. We're guessing Frankie Boyle may be among the mysterious number who have been voting to keep Maloney in the series.

Photos: Fag Ash drama. The secret smokers of The X Factor