Songstress Tulisa Contostavlos has admitted that while viewers of The X Factor may really enjoy the live finals, it's a very stressful time for the judges and contestants.

Speaking to Digital Spy, the 'Live It Up' star explained that she can't wait to get stuck into the next stage of the vocal contest, but she's incredibly nervous about it:

""I'm ready for it. I can handle it. I wouldn't classify it as exciting. It's exciting as a viewer, but it's distressing and nerve-wracking as a judge and a contestant."

"I'm sure everyone will have a lot of fun at our expense."

She also admitted that Simon Cowell has taken a hands-off approach with this new season and has been only dealing with "behind-the-scenes with producers".

When asked if she had given her finalists any advice, she added: "I can't prepare them. There is no preparing. You can only say the same thing over and over again, 'Let it go over your head'."