Judges in 'fag ash breath' spat

Things turned personal between the judges on The X Factor live shows when Gary Barlow accused Tulisa Contostavlos of having "fag ash breath".

The comments came after Christopher Maloney's performance when Contostavlos criticised Barlow for the song he had chosen for his act.

She said: "You do the same thing over and over again with him and it's not working."

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

Moments later Contostavlos interrupted host Dermot O'Leary and said: "Just a note for Gary - lay off the red wine because I can really smell that as well."

Later on ITV2's The Xtra Factor Barlow was asked if he had been drinking red wine and he said he had "a little sip" in his dressing room and went on to apologise to his fellow judge.

He said: "Can I apologise to Tulisa - I mean it. You have the freedom to be as personal as you like to me for the rest of the series - insult me."

Contostavlos told The Xtra Factor that Barlow had once said he "loved" the smell of cigarettes because it reminded him of the days he used to smoke and Barlow agreed. When asked if she was "all right" with Barlow, Contostavlos replied: "Yeah we're good, yeah, course."

Earlier in live shows Robbie Williams confirmed he is a fan of controversial X Factor hopeful Rylan Clark despite Take That bandmate Barlow criticising the 24-year-old's performance each week.

On Saturday's Halloween special, Williams was shown giving advice to each act ahead of the fourth live round of the competition. Williams and Clark were quick to hug backstage and, after helping Clark with his vocals, Williams said: "Gaz, I don't understand how you're missing the obvious brilliant talent of Rylan, but I'm not, I am strictly team Rylan all the way."