X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos is at the centre of yet another backstage kafuffle, this time for smoking in her dressing room…

TV Biz reports that Tulisa “often has sneaky cigs and parties in her dressing room at the show’s Wembley studios” and apparently, council officials have sent her a letter reminding her that under the 2006 Health Act, smoking at work is banned.

A show insider said, “Bosses aren’t happy that she’s causing trouble.”

And it seems that other sources of unrest backstage include the fact that the finalists are given just £50 a week to live on while they’re on the show.

Rylan Clark reportedly said, “It’s not even enough to cover one of my waxes.”

But a show insider said, “The X Factor is a talent show and not considered employment.

“Bosses provide everything on top of the £50 — including accommodation and food.”

But it seems the biggest niggles backstage are being caused by controversial finalist Chris Maloney, who has of course been branded a “diva” by Louis Walsh and assorted others who claim that he’s “demanding” and is often rude to the show’s production team.

That is a claim that Christopher has denied frequently, however, according to The Sun, he really tested the patience of the producers by turning up an hour late for rehearsals of the finalists’ group performance this week.

As we saw in last night’s results show – which sadly saw District3 leave the contest – the finalists sang U2’s Beautiful Day, and because Chris was nowhere to be found, everyone had to rehearse without him.

An insider said, “Chris is one of the most disliked contestants backstage because of the way he treats the production crew and other performers.

“Nobody has a good word to say for him.”

Yikes! Here’s a reminder of last night’s group performance…