FORMER X Factor judge and N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault in Chelmsford.

The 25-year-old appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court this morning where she denied one charge of assault by beating on celebrity blogger Savvas Morgan, while backstage at last year's V Festival in Hylands Park on Sunday, August 18.

Police originally interviewed the popstar over the allegation in November.

Wearing black skinny jeans, top, blazer and high heels, the singer, of Royal Drive, London arrived at the packed New Street court shortly after 9am.

Gareth Varney, 28, also of Royal Drive, also pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

Jaqueline Moore, of Minehead Avenue, Manchester, was also charged with the offence, but she was not in court and neither was blogger Morgan, who runs celebrity blog vasjmorgan.com.

Tulisa was granted unconditional bail and will return to court with Varney on Monday, May 19 for the start of a two day trial.

Echo: Tulisa Conotostavlos at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court this morning

Tulisa Conotostavlos at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court this morning.