Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger broke down in tears during filming for 'The X Factor'.

The TV talent show's judge struggled to control her emotions during the programme's Boot Camp at London's Wembley Arena following reports she and on/off boyfriend Lewis Hamilton are attempting to reconcile their relationship.

The former Pussycat Doll got emotional while deciding whether to send an 'X Factor' hopeful called Sheena home, and she cried again when another wannabe Hannah, 16, was in tears.

Trying to compose herself, Nicole said: "We can cry rivers later."

In a new addition to Boot Camp, six contestants put through by the judges are sat beside the stage but run the risk of being replaced if other wannabes perform better in later auditions.

One female contestant was left crushed after she lasted the whole session before being axed at the final hurdle, and Nicole rushed backstage to console her.

Fellow judge Sharon Osbourne noted the process sums up how "tough" the music and reality TV industries can be.

She said: "This gives you an insight into how tough this business is."