Former X Factor winner Joe McElderry was reportedly “stunned” by Cher Lloyd’s disrespectful attitude to her mentor Cheryl Cole when he returned to the show at the weekend. 

Joe, who was performing his new track Ambitions on the programme, told a friend how Cher is more interested in making headlines than performing.

Joe recalled how Cheryl and Cher had a falling out over her costume, with Cheryl telling the 17-year-old singer: “You’re only wearing it for half an hour.

“Smile! If you don’t the viewers will know you’re unhappy and you’ll be gone.’’

A source told the Daily Star: “Joe was stunned by it all.

“He was in Cheryl’s dressing room when Cher barged in. She was in a right strop. Joe said he couldn’t believe how this girl talked to Cheryl and the lack of respect.”

The 17-year-old singer has been described as ‘naturally volatile’ by show insiders following tantrums over the clothes the show stylists asked her to wear for Saturday’s show.

Meanwhile Robbie Williams has said how he feels Cher isn’t quite ready for the pressure, telling X magazine: “She’s obviously got it.

“But she’d have done well not to get through and have another year to come to terms with her personal life.”