Sinitta: 'Cowell right to criticise Cole'

Sinitta has claimed that Simon Cowell should not be expected to give Cheryl Cole an easy ride on The X Factor.

The 'So Macho' singer spoke out in defence of her ex-partner after he reduced Cole to tears on Saturday night's show.

Cowell had accused the Girls Aloud star of jeopardising Lloyd Daniels's chances by making poor song choices for her act. She then broke down live on air and had to be comforted by her protégé.

Discussing the incident on Loose Women, Sinitta insisted that the music mogul's behaviour was acceptable because the judges are "in competition".

She commented: "It can't be that he's not allowed to criticise her otherwise she'll cry."

The '80s popstar added that Cole would usually stand up for herself, but is feeling "particularly vulnerable" at the moment.