Tulisa: I Was Set Up by the Media, Here’s the Truth!

Begin Again with Davina McCall

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Thursday, 21 August 2025 - 1 hour 14 minutes

In this episode of Begin Again, Tulisa Contostavlos, N-Dubz star, solo artist, and the youngest judge in X Factor history, shares the untold truth behind her rise, fall, and rebuilding.

From chart-topping success to a leaked tape, depression, and the 2012 drug sting that nearly destroyed her career, Tulisa opens up about betrayal, media pressure, and the darkest years of her life. She speaks candidly about how those experiences pushed her to the edge, and how she found strength, purpose, and spirituality to rebuild.

With her new book Judgement, Tulisa reflects on resilience, survival, and why no matter how far you fall, you can begin again.

💬 Comment below: What part of Tulisa’s story resonates with you most?

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Tulisa's Book: "Judgement": https://geni.us/judgementtulisa

(00:00) Intro  

(01:07) Tulisa: Early Life and Introduction  

(02:56) Tulisa’s New Book “Judgement” Explained  

(03:45) Musical Roots and the Rise of N-Dubz  

(04:59) Growing Up Fast: Life Lessons from a Young Age  

(08:06) Alternative Families: Uncle B and the Misfit Household  

(11:45) N-Dubz Blow Up: Storytelling and Staying Authentic  

(13:41) Becoming an X Factor Judge at Age 22  

(18:55) From Stardom to Homelessness: Tulisa’s Fall  

(22:17) Airbnb Ad  

(23:09) Leaked Tape Scandal and Public Backlash  

(25:50) Depression, Media Attacks, and Mental Health Struggles  

(31:11) Inside the Sting Operation That Targeted Tulisa  

(33:38) Writing “Judgement”: Tulisa’s Process and Purpose  

(35:41) The Drug Sting: What Really Happened  

(47:06) Isolation, Betrayal, and Loss of Trust  

(50:03) The Breaking Story, Suicide Attempt, and Meeting ‘Jacob’  

(56:46) Tulisa’s Spiritual Awakening and Purpose-Driven Life  

(1:07:18) Finding Gratitude and Healing  

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