Tulisa reunited with long-lost brother after years of searching for him

The X Factor judge and ex-N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos (Getty Images)

X Factor star Tulisa Contostavlos has been reunited with her long-lost half-brother after spending years looking for him.

The 24-year-old singer welcomed Neil Jones to her home in north London on Sunday after he had earlier met their father.

Mr Jones, from Northampton, contacted the singer online before the meeting after the pair had reportedly spent years searching for each other.

Tulisa, who is currently dating Newcastle United footballer Danny Simpson, said: "I'm so happy to finally meet my brother. It has been a very important weekend for my family, but I'd like to ask everyone to respect our privacy at this time."

The former N-Dubz star - whose pop career is flagging after a lacklustre showing for her debut album - is said to be facing the axe from the X Factor panel in a revamp.

The ITV talent show had a tough time in the ratings last year with a huge slump in viewers which helped the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing step out in front in the Saturday night ratings battle.

Tulisa has been with the X Factor for two series but the high- profile show has put her relationships in the spotlight. She was also horrified when a "sex tape" emerged which led to a court battle with the former lover who leaked the footage.

Her debut album, The Female Boss, only made it to number 35 in the charts, despite her having a number one with her first solo single, "Young".

PA