Tulisa has revealed that her X Factor predecessor Cheryl Cole gave her words of support after her recent sex tape leak.

A sex video found its way online earlier this year, which Tulisa later admitted to appearing in.

Speaking to the Mirror, Tulisa - who was yesterday (May 2) crowned the World's Sexiest Woman by FHM - said that in the aftermath of the leak Cole had texted her to reassure her. She said:

"I've been in touch with Cheryl. I actually had a really nice text from her after my 'hoo-hah' a couple of weeks ago, offering her support."

Tulisa also responded to suggestion that she might replace Cole as Britain's "sweetheart" - admitting that she is more likely to be called the nation's "little rebel". She said:

"When people say I'm the new 'nation's sweetheart' I'm like, 'No! That role will always belong to Cheryl!' I've become the nation's little rebel."