Britney bans 'pretty' female staff at X Factor

Britney Spears with X Factor judge Simon Cowell. Photo / AP

Britney Spears has banned pretty female staff from working on the US X Factor.

The Toxic singer - who joined the panel of the reality TV show as a judge this year alongside Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid - has reportedly told producers she doesn't want any attractive women working backstage while she is on the show as they make her feel insecure.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Britney has stipulated that none of the female backstage staff working with her are too pretty or stylish.

Britney recently claimed she is a "very subtle" X Factor judge and tries to be constructive in her advice for the auditionees.

She said in a promo clip for the show: "So far everything has been so fun for all of us.

"Everything is like a new experience for me, so it's a lot of fun and the talent has been amazing.

"I feel like my judging style is very subtle. I try to use constructive criticism."

Despite saying she is "subtle", Britney - who has been described as an "incredibly tough" judge - is seen in the video dispensing some harsh words to one contestant.

She tells the hopeful: "I wanna know who let you on stage."

- Bang! Showbiz