Pop star Tulisa Contostavlos often feels like "the most hated woman in Britain" due to the abuse she regularly receives on social networking sites.

The X Factor judge and former N-Dubz singer told how her confidence has been knocked badly by the vile messages she receives from users on Twitter.com, and she is convinced she is detested by her fellow Brits.

She says, "People just do it (send online abuse) for the sake of it - they will sit down and write the most horrific, abusive messages and they couldn't care less."

"Sometimes they are 12-year-old kids sending these things. I've seen grown women read the messages and it brings tears to their eyes."

"I've had people tell me this has happened to them but it's something you have got to let go over your head. If I was to base my opinion on Twitter I'd be like, 'Oh my God, I must be the most hated woman in Britain.'"

Slideshow: Sexy Tulisa Contostavlos Photos