Rita Ora has admitted that it was "surreal" to be asked to guest judge the UK X Factor after only releasing two singles.

The rising star filled an empty seat on the show's judging panel as the auditions hit London in May.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Ora said that whilst it was surreal, it was also "incredible" - with her role on the show not to judge, but to inspire and be inspired in return. She said:

"It was surreal, but incredible. I've been watching it on TV for so long and now I'm sitting on the panel two singles deep - it's definitely a statement. I felt like it was my moment to help anyone who would take it. I wasn't there to judge, I just wanted to enjoy people's imaginations and creativity and try and direct it in the right way."

She added: "I'm in the same boat as them. I'm only a 20-year-old artist, two singles deep and so I know how important it is to make a first impression on someone. I've never really understood just how important that is, but they just walked on and wanted to make an impression on the four judges. I walked into the Roc Nation offices wanting to make a big impression on Jay-Z and so I can relate to them."