Tulisa: I didn't choose to go solo (From Echo)

Tulisa: I didn't choose to go solo

2:35pm Friday 15th June 2012 in Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Tulisa Contostavlos has insisted she did not choose to go solo, but wanted to keep making music while N-Dubz were on a break.

The X Factor judge is on a hiatus from N-Dubz, which she formed with cousin Dappy and her now ex-boyfriend Fazer, while they all pursue solo projects, but admitted she misses them.

Tulisa said: "I have actually gone solo not out of choice, but I love music and so I am going to do it anyway - I feel that I am still even finding myself as an artist on stage.

"It is pretty scary and I actually really miss the boys. I prefer performing with the guys - I like being part of a team.

"I wouldn't deny the fact that I liked being in a group, I started off in a group and I was happy in a group."

The 23-year-old - who had her first number one last month with solo hit Young, written by her ex Fazer - was speaking as she visited the Samsung Zone in Phones 4u Oxford Street to meet fans and sign autographs.