Her comments were said to be made while giving a music masterclass for Brit School hopefuls.

Speaking at London’s O2 Arena, the Metro newspaper reports her as saying: “It depends whether you want to be an artist or a celebrity. I don't really have respect for The X Factor", before going on to label the show “depressing” and “really disturbing”.

Nash, a former pupil at the Brit School, has previously criticised the X Factor by comparing it to junk food, and insinuating that no one on the show “is an actual artist”.

Earlier this week, broadcasting standards watchdog Ofcom reprimanded the show for breaching product placement guidelines.

The reprimand concerned host Dermot O’Leary saying albums by guests Michael Buble and Diana Vickers were available from the show’s website.

(by Alex Winehouse)