Tulisa beats Cheryl in popularity poll

'The X Factor' judge Tulisa had beaten former panellist Cheryl Cole in a new poll.

The N-Dubz singer – who joined the panel this year, while Cheryl left to star on the US version of the show, but was sacked after just four days on set – gained 16 per cent of votes in a poll by internet shopping site PriceRunner.co.uk of who the public would choose as their ideal celebrity companion for a long car journey.

While Tulisa came third in the poll, Cheryl only won 12 per cent of votes cast, placing her in fifth position.

Tulisa has previously said she was worried how fans would initially react to her on 'The X Factor' show, and admitted she worried about being perceived as taking the former judge's place.

She said: "I was worried about being seen to be trying to fill Cheryl's shoes, but I'm not. I'm just trying to being me.

"I was s****ing it on my first day, absolutely terrified. I swear it was the most nervous I have ever been in my life.

"I'm loving it, though, more than I ever thought I would. I'm just trying to be me, to be honest and say what I think. I'm not going to take any s*** though – that's just me. I speak my mind."

The PriceRunner.co.uk poll was topped by Pippa Middleton - sister to the Duchess of Cambridge - who took 27 per cent of votes.

'Celebrity Big Brother' stars Jedward and Amy Childs were in last place, with Amy gaining just two per cent of votes.