Former ‘X Factor’ hopeful James Hughes has laid into judge Nicole Scherzinger, branding her a “c***” in a shocking - and seemingly out of character - outburst.
James was one of six acts to make it to Nicole’s Judges’ Houses this year, winning over viewers with his mild-mannered nature and cheerful smile.
However, it would seem he’s got a few things to get off his chest after falling at the last hurdle, laying into the show and, more specifically, his former mentor, Nicole.
When quizzed about the ‘Don’t Hold Your Breath’ singer told Now magazine: “She’s a c***.”
No, honestly. He did!
Sounding off on both Nicole and ‘The X Factor’, James continued: “She’s so nice on camera, but I felt she had no time for me once they were off. I don’t even think she picked her final three boys!”
An ‘X Factor’ spokesperson declined to comment.
Last month, James missed out on a spot in live shows, when he fluffed the words to ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ during his performance for Nicole and her special guest assistant Calvin Harris… so quite how that’s Nicole’s fault, we’re not really sure.
At present, Nicole still has two acts left in the competition, after losing Freddy Parker earlier in the series.
In the most recent live show, Nicole overshadowed all of this year’s contestants when she kicked off Divas Week with a medley of Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’ and Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’, which, frankly, we’re still reeling from.
Relive the performance in the video below: