Misha B: The X Factor experience gave me a thick skin

As she launches her solo career Misha B says her time on the last series of X Factor taught her to have a "thick skin".

The 20-year-old from Manchester finished fourth in the eighth series of the ITV1 talent show.

During the competition Misha was accused of bullying another contestant by judge Louis Walsh.

She said some of the criticism she received in the media was "not easy" and had been "intense" at times.

'Outrageous headlines'

Misha B said: "The whole world's watching you, you're criticised and judged based on everything. People stick with the judgement based on what they see on the TV."

The singer, who is now signed with Relentless Records, left the programme at the semi-final stage in December 2011.

"Me, Janet [Devlin] and some of the other girls joked about the headlines all the time. Some of the stories were outrageous. These are peoples' lives here.

"The majority of the stories I thought, 'They can't be talking about me because this didn't even happen'.

"Being a contestant things are out of your hands anyway. I learned you've got to be thick skinned, take everything with a pinch of salt. Don't believe your own hype."

However, she is grateful for the platform the show has provided for her. She'll support Nicki Minaj on her UK arena tour later this year.

"If it wasn't for X Factor I wouldn't see myself where I am right now," says Misha.

"The journey really begins because we're in the real music industry now."

Her debut single Home Run is out now.