At yesterday’s X Factor press launch we saw Tulisa Contostavlos get very protective over her own little Lou Lou.

Members of the press were shown the first episode of the ITV show’s ninth series and in it, the N Dubz star was seen getting quite angry with a contestant who acted aggressively towards the judges.

After facing rejection from the panel, the singer threw her mic down, pushed camera men and at one point looked like she was going to rush Tulisa, Louis, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger.

At one point Contostavlos yelled:

‘Stay on that stage!’

When asked if she was worried about her personal safety during the threatening episode, the ‘Young’ hitmaker later joked:

‘I didn’t fear for my safety, I feared for Louis’.’

When a bewildered looking Walsh asked why he needed protection, his young co-star responded:

‘I just thought she seemed like a tough cookie and if she started throwing punches at the judges who was going to protect you? Me!’

The panel were then asked who they see as the toughest judge. Dermot O’Leary was quick to declare:

‘Not Louis!’

Walsh said:

‘I would say Tulisa, you are, you’re tough.’

Nicole wasn’t so sure though and she thinks Gary Barlow may take the biscuit. She added:

‘She has a big heart….I think Gary can be tough sometimes too.’

Louis laughed:

‘Yeah we’ll say Gary, because he’s not here.’

Who do you think is the toughest X Factor judge? Leave your comments below…