N-Dubz to split after Dappy, Tulisa 'X Factor' row?

N-Dubz are to split up at the end of the year following Tulisa Contostavlos's appointment as an X Factor judge, reports have suggested.

The 'I Need You' trio are said to be at loggerheads over Contostavlos's new role, with group member Dappy apparently angry about the situation and signing up to Tinchy Stryder's management company to push forward with his own solo career.

"Dappy is livid about the whole situation. Tulisa has a new passion now - and that's not what they got into the business for," a source told The Sun.

"He has thrown himself into his solo career because, as far as he is concerned, N-Dubz is all but over. The last album didn't do as well as he hoped and X Factor has caused a lot of problems between them."

N-Dubz already have their next album sorted following their deal with US label Def Jam, who had plans to launch them in North America, but Dappy allegedly intends to leave the band after Christmas.

Dappy reportedly told N-Dubz manager Jonathan Shalit that he didn't want to work with him anymore after he masterminded a big contract between Simon Cowell and Tulisa for The X Factor.

"The last tour was stressful. The mood was grim between the three of them," the source added.

"Tulisa is now planning her solo career off the back of X Factor. There have already been talks of arena tours for her in 2012 and a promo strategy."

Despite the reports, a spokesperson for N-Dubz has insisted the band will continue as a trio and that they have plans for "another single and album" in 2011. They also stated: "The band are definitely not splitting up."

Dappy recently revealed plans for a solo single and album, while Fazer has been writing tracks for other artists, such as Katy Perry.

Watch the music video for N-Dubz's top five hit 'I Need You' below: