X FACTOR staff came under fire for making disparaging remarks about a transsexual singer in an email – then sending to her by mistake.

In an email under the subject line ‘Pam the Tranny’, two junior X Factor researchers criticised the song choices of wannabe Pamela-Michelle Giovanni.

When the furious 46-year-old contestant saw it, she immediately complained to X Factor bosses.

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The researchers were disciplined and offered a full apology to Pamela, who auditioned four times in front of producers of the ITV talent show.

But she still threatened to expose the email in front of X Factor judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos.

An X Factor insider told the Sun: "Pam got through four rounds and was well liked – but she had a meltdown when she saw the email.

"It wasn't sent maliciously and the researchers have been distraught at the upset they have caused. They were disciplined but will keep their jobs because of their genuine remorse.

"The producers had to go a long way to appease Pam though, and she was given a full apology.

"The real problems came when she threatened to blab about the email when she got in front of the judges. She won't talk about what happened because of the confidentiality agreement all performers have to sign if they wish to take part in the show."

An X Factor spokesman said in a statement: "This matter was dealt with swiftly at the time and the contestant was given a full apology for any offence that may have been caused."

Pamela could not be contacted to comment

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that this year’s X Factor bootcamp will be held in a luxurious London mansion, complete with swimming pool – and cameras.

X Factor producers hope that relationships will blossom in the pad in a bid to sex up the show.

The show’s bosses also showed their commitment to Gary Barlow’s Take That duties by paying a reported £10,000 to fly the man band singer across London.

Gary was flown just 19 miles from the auditions at London’s 02 Arena via City Airport to Take That’s Wembley Stadium gig, but thanks to a traffic jam on the way to catch his private plane he was still late for a sound check.