Britney Spears bans pretty female staff

Los Angeles - Britney Spears has banned pretty female staff from working on the US talent show X Factor.

The Toxic singer who joined the panel of the reality TV show as a judge this year alongside Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid, has reportedly told producers she doesn't want any attractive women working backstage while she is on the show as they make her feel insecure.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: "Britney has stipulated that none of the female backstage staff working with her are too pretty or stylish."

Britney claims she is a 'subtle judge'

Britney recently claimed she is a "very subtle" X Factor judge and tries to be constructive in her advice for the auditionees.

In a promo clip for the show she says: "So far everything has been so fun for all of us. Everything is like a new experience for me, so it's a lot of fun and the talent has been amazing. I feel like my judging style is very subtle. I try to use constructive criticism."

Despite saying she is "subtle", Britney who has been described as an "incredibly tough" judge, is seen in the video dispensing some harsh words to one contestant telling him: "I want to know who let you on the stage."