The X Factor - Tulisa Contostavlos Suing X Factor Consultant Over Sex Tape Leak

Chris Herbert, famed for creating the Spice Girls, was to serve as a consultant in the next season of the U.K. TV talent show but he has lost the job after being added as a defendant in Contostavlos' lawsuit.

A spokesperson for The X Factor says, "As a result of us becoming aware of the ongoing legal dispute between Tulisa and Mr Herbert, we have decided it is in everyone's interest for him to not be involved in the forthcoming series."

In court documents, Contostavlos, a judge on the TV contest, has accused Herbert of being "aware of, involved in and consulted (about)" an online scheme to sell footage of her performing a sex act on her former lover Justin Edwards.

The N-Dubz star was left devastated in March (12) when the clip was made available for download on the internet for $6 (£4).

Her lawyer also claims Herbert "played a pivotal role in commercial exploitation of the film" and acted as a middleman, adding, "The expectation of those involved was they would earn seven-figure sums."

On Thursday (12Jul12), Contostavlos told of her relief after Edwards told London's High Court he played a part in the unauthorised release.