'I have the best boyfriend': X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos FINALLY opens up about relationship with Fazer

By Holly Thomas

Last updated at 8:51 AM on 29th August 2011

Notoriously private about her personal life, new X Factor judge Tulisa Constavlos rarely opens up about any love interests.

And that dedication to privacy was stepped up yet further when she started dating N-Dubz band mate, Fazer (real name Richard Rawson).

But in an in-depth new interview, Tulisa has finally revealed her true feelings.

Private: Tulisa Contostavlos rarely talks about her relationship with N-Dubz band mate Fazer, who she has known since she was 12

Talking to The Sunday Mirror, Tulisa confessed: 'I'm really happy and have the best boyfriend- he's really supportive in what I'm doing with the show [X Factor]'

'He's my rock- he's been there for me throughout the past few months. I couldn't be doing what I'm doing without him,' the star revealed.

The pair have barely been apart since they formed N-Dubz with Tulisa's cousin (and Fazer's best friend) Dappy 12 years ago.

Yet their very secretive romance only began relatively recently.

They started dating in May last year, but made a pact never to discuss their relationship publicly.

A source at the time claimed that the pair had been sleeping together on and off for a while previously, but that things had intensified while on tour.

Professional: Tulisa and Fazer, real name Richard Rawson, pictured performing at V Festival last week, have a pact never to discuss their relationship in public

The couple were apparently worried about the potential reaction from fans, and feared that though they loved each other, things might not work out if the public response was negative.

This perhaps explains their very professional front- when performing with N-Dubz for example neither Tulisa nor Fazer give any hint of amorous feelings.

It must be a relief to Tulisa that fazer has proven such a stalwart supporter of her new role as an X Factor judge.

In her Mirror interview, Tulisa also spoke about how intimidating it was to work directly with Simon Cowell, as her future on the show depended on him.

'If the viewers didn’t gel with me, Simon would have got rid of me. That thought scared the s*** out of me,' the singer revealed.

'But he sent me a text after the first show and said he was completely happy and there were no notes for improvements. So I guess I passed!'

Always ready with a little attitude, the 23-year-old added: 'But I’m not scared of Simon. I’m a cheeky character. He’s like this big boss strutting around but he forgets I’m ‘The Female Boss’. I call him Si and constantly wind him up.'

Intimidating: Tulisa was nervous about her new role, but with support form Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, and crucially her boyfriend Fazer, she has taken to it in style

Endearingly Tulisa, whose slightly more bolshy approach has proved the perfect foil to Kelly Rowland's super cute presence on the judging panel, also admitted that she had been afraid of comparisons with the former Destiny's Child star.

'There’s no competing with Kelly, but I don’t want people saying I look like a train wreck,' she said modestly.

Giving a hint as to the American star's secret for staying in such great shape, Tulisa added: 'Kelly carries a bag of carrots and celery around and keeps offering me them. She’s constantly eating as she works out so much.'

Shoes to fill: Tulisa was nervous about replacing nation's sweetheart Cheryl Cole, but with support from both the singer herself and Fazer she has grown in confidence

Shoes to fill: Tulisa was nervous about replacing nation's sweetheart Cheryl Cole, but with support from the singer herself and Fazer she has grown in confidence

But the real test was whether Tulisa could prove a valid replacement for the nation's sweetheart, Cheryl Cole.

Thankfully, the former judge has been supportive of Tulisa throughout, for which the N-Dubz singer is eternally grateful. On Cheryl's response to Tulisa's X Factor debut, she revealed:

'Cheryl saw the show on Saturday and sent a text saying: ‘Congratulations for your first show. You’ve got a great response from everyone and you did great.'

'I could have become Britain’s most hated woman for replacing Cheryl, but having her support has made all the difference,' said Tulisa.

The star has clearly settled into her role.

Dream team: Tulisa has been a member of N-Dubz with cousin Dappy (left) and boyfriend Fazer (right) for 11 years

She tweeted during last night's show: 'Johnny has brought back memories! Smiling 2 myself! Wasn't he a shocka? I MISS AUDITIONS!!! X'

Though still shy about her role, with a little persuasion she was able to relax and enjoy watching.

'U know what I could lie but not guna! @GarethVarey has dragged me 2 the sofa 2 watch the show 2nit! I cringe when I watch myself!#winehelps' she tweeted.

However despite support from Cheryl, Simon and crucially Fazer, Tulisa has hinted that there is drama in store to come later in the series.

'The last thing I thought was that I’d be crying on national TV,' she said.

Keen to distinguish herself as a new addition, she added: 'It wasn’t just a Cheryl tear. We’re talking floodgates. I couldn’t stop.'