James Arthur and Lucy Spraggan in 'homophobic' Twitter spat

Spraggan attacked Arthur for rapping the anti-gay slur "you f**king queer"

James Arthur and Lucy Spraggan have clashed over Arthur's 'homphobic' lyric choice (Getty Images)

Gay singer Lucy Spraggan has attacked X Factor winner James Arthur for using the homophobic slur "you f**king queer" in a rap.

Spraggan, a fellow contestant of Arthur's in the 2012 ITV talent contest, criticised him for the controversial lyric and tweeted a screenshot of an offensive text message he allegedly sent her.

The text read: "Lucy what are you playing at having digs at me? Is it coz you're a gay rights activist you had to say something as extreme as 'people kill themselves every day over words like queer' are you for real?"

Arthur had said he was "deeply sorry" for his use of the word "queer" earlier this week.

He wrote on Twitter: "I assure you homophobia is something I do not believe in. I have many, many gay friends. In rap feuds/rap disses the words I used have a different intent."

But his text message to Spraggan reportedly continued: "And for you're [sic] information my album was self-penned. My album sold 10 times youres [sic] in it's first week so you can f**k off with you're [sic] career sh*te. Stop reading the press 'mate'. Real people don't care."

Arthur's texts sparked rage in the "Tea and Toast" singer, who responded by calling her former X Factor rival an "a***hole" and a "d**k".

Striking back to add more fire to the feud, Arthur wrote: "Two faced fickle attention seeker. Disappear."

Spraggan had the final word, quipping back "I think you'll do that far before I do", before a feisty warning not to "f**k with the gays".

The "Impossible" singer vowed to quit Twitter after another spat with comedian Frankie Boyle earlier this week.

His management have now taken control of his profile.