Kitty Brucknell apologises to Derry Mensah for X Factor argument

X Factor's Kitty Brucknell has sent a letter of apology to her rival Derry Mensah following their argument - but denied making racist remarks.

Mensah, 21, from boyband The Risk, complained after the pair got into an argument, saying he thought Brucknell, 26, called him an "evil black b*****d".

A source said: "She apologised for the argument. But she has denied calling him anything. The matter has been investigated and it has been resolved."

The pair sat down to lunch together on Tuesday and the source said they appeared to be getting along well.

Brucknell, mentored by Louis Walsh, has always denied the claim.

She has divided viewers of the hit ITV1 talent show with her over-the-top performances and outrageous costumes and last week admitted that she would not "win a popularity contest".

This weekend's show is expected to see Kelly Rowland, who has been involved in a row with rival judge Tulisa Contostavlos, return after she dropped out last weekend due to illness.

An X Factor spokeswoman said: "There was an argument between two contestants which was looked into by production and the matter has been resolved."