Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has called for an end to body shaming, suggesting it should be illegal to publicly criticise others over their looks.

The singer and X Factor judge also denied accusations she had an eating disorder, saying she was “shocked” by the claims.

In an interview with ES Magazine, Fernandez-Versini said: “I can take whatever they [the press] throw at me after 13 years, what worries me is what it’s doing to the younger generation. And some of the people writing this stuff are women. There is no sisterhood.

“The body shaming has to stop. It’s bulls***. Something has to be done, changed, even if it’s done in law.”

She married millionaire restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in secret last year following a three-month romance.

She attributed her slim physique of late to the death of her father-in-law, although her return to the X Factor on Saturday prompted fresh concerns among some viewers over her health.

She said: “I am very happy and very healthy. Every woman has a different body type and handles stress and grief differently. I was a ballerina from a child, so I have really good muscle memory. When I work out, I can look like a tennis player. If I don’t, I look different.”

She left the show in 2011 to become a judge on the US version, but boss Simon Cowell dropped her within weeks - reportedly by text. It happened only months after she split from her first husband, footballer Ashley Cole, amid claims he was unfaithful.

X Factor London Press Launch 9 show all X Factor London Press Launch 1/9 Star of the show: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini arrives for the launch Phillip Toscano/PA 2/9 New boy: Nick Grimshaw heads inside to watch the first episode Phillip Toscano/PA 3/9 Double trouble: New hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs pose for pictures Phillip Toscano/PA 4/9 Xtra Factor: Melvin Odoom and Rochelle Humes on the red carpet Phillip Toscano/PA 5/9 Old hand: Former contestant Rylan Clark PhillipToscano/PA 6/9 Head honcho: Simon Cowell goes in his own style direction Phillip Toscano/PA 7/9 Show favourite: Sinitta makes a not-so-surprise appearance David Fisher/Rex 8/9 Big entrance: Simon Cowell arrives at Picturehouse Central Nils Jorgensen/Rex 9/9 Looking glam: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini wears Balmain Rex 1/9 Star of the show: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini arrives for the launch Phillip Toscano/PA 2/9 New boy: Nick Grimshaw heads inside to watch the first episode Phillip Toscano/PA 3/9 Double trouble: New hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs pose for pictures Phillip Toscano/PA 4/9 Xtra Factor: Melvin Odoom and Rochelle Humes on the red carpet Phillip Toscano/PA 5/9 Old hand: Former contestant Rylan Clark PhillipToscano/PA 6/9 Head honcho: Simon Cowell goes in his own style direction Phillip Toscano/PA 7/9 Show favourite: Sinitta makes a not-so-surprise appearance David Fisher/Rex 8/9 Big entrance: Simon Cowell arrives at Picturehouse Central Nils Jorgensen/Rex 9/9 Looking glam: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini wears Balmain Rex

But Fernandez-Versini said Cowell was right to remove her from the show, adding: “I was suffering from a lot of things — heartache, confusion — I was in a dark place. It was definitely handled in the wrong way. I’ve made [Cowell] fully aware of that.”

She also explained why she took the job in America, saying: “I never had an American Dream. I was running away from so much stuff in my life in the UK, I took the job ...

“I’ve had opportunities to sign a solo US deal that I didn’t take. My profile was so heightened at the time I couldn’t bear to think of being famous worldwide ... I like to go to places where I’m not known, where I can be free.”

She has returned to the UK show because she is keen to find the next generation of stars. “I love nurturing talent,” she said. “It’s what I want to do with my future: management, developing an artist. I understand it from both sides.”

She is also working on her charity, Cheryl’s Trust. She aims to raise £2 million to build a centre for disadvantaged young people in Newcastle, where she grew up on a council estate.

Her focus is on those with mental health issues. “All those s***ty situations,” she said, “I’m glad I went through them, if they lead to some hope and wellbeing.”

Read the full interview in ES Magazine tomorrow and Friday.