As a returning X Factor judge, Tulisa Contostavlos is fiercely loyal to the show – and she used yesterday’s press launch to defend the talent contest.

By far the most outspoken judge during yesterday’s Q&A, the N-Dubz star expertly rubbished any negative questions that journalists (not us we might add) had about the ninth series.

Quizzed about the stroppy Pink impersonator whose violent outburst made the press a while back features on tomorrow night’s show, Tulisa insisted that The X Factor didn’t exploit her.

“I thought she seemed quite a strong character from the level of aggression she was giving off.

“At the end of the day there is always going to be the odd person that throws this massive hissy fit and everyone goes 'Oh my God,'” she said.

“There are thousands of people over the years who have auditioned and just because this one person can't control their temper, throws a bit of a fit, I don't think it's a reason for everyone to go, 'You've got to think about their [the contestants] emotions. That was one person, that's her with her own issues and she chose to bring those issues to the stage.”

But wasn’t the only issue that made Tulisa switch into defensive mode. There was also the subject of the show’s ratings last year – which were widely reported to be down.

Tulisa defends The X Factor’s ratings

Tulisa got on her high horse about the show’s much-criticised ratings last year, and quickly put the 'haterz' in their place,

“It was still the second-best X Factor series last year,” she said matter of factly.

“Just because on the odd night here and there we dropped down one mill, it doesn't mean the show is in crisis. It's changed very much over the years,” she continued,  “and it was still the biggest show second to the Royal Wedding. I'm not worried about it at all.”

We’ve seen the first episode and we’re not worried either. It’s going to be must-watch viewing.