Look, when it comes to the X Factor, there are a lot of egos to massage, and that's before you even consider the judging panel.

So, it's no real surprise that the contestants who don't make it through to the live shows rarely take it too well, but James Hughes has definitely taken the biscuit.

After making it to the Judge's Houses after performing I'd Rather Go Blind, the Scottish singer failed to impress Nicole with his rendition of Aint No Mountain High Enough.

And it sounds like Nicole's attitude failed to impress poor ol' James.

Lashing out at the judge during an interview with Now magazine at a charity event, he said: "She’s a c**t" She’s so nice on camera, but I felt she had no time for me once they were off."

Casting doubt on Nicole's role in the selection process, James added: "I don’t even think she picked her final three boys!"

Well, good to see James isn't feeling bitter.