X Factor finalist Tamera Foster has apologised to show producers after it emerged she was caught shoplifting earlier this year.
According to the Mirror the 16-year-old - who is favourite to win the series - was detained by security guards at a branch of Boots in Gravesend, Kent, where she was attempting to steal make-up.
The incident reportedly occurred on July 24 this year - just one month after her first X Factor audition.
A source told the paper Tamera had told producers she was 'so so sorry' and admitted the teenage singer was 'distraught'.
"She is really remorseful for what she has done and has said sorry to everyone on the show for letting them down," the insider added.
Kent Police told the paper that Tamera - who was with two other girls at the time of the incident - was dealt with through 'restorative justice'.
This procedure means she was not charged but was given the chance by the store manager to explain her actions and apologise.
The singer is also said to have paid for the items.
Tamera has been dogged by controversy throughout her X Factor career.
As well as claims she had boasted about drug use on Twitter, reports have suggested she received a police caution for attacking another girl, 15-year-old Holly Wilks, on Boxing Day last year.
She said recently that she has changed, and does not want her past life holding her back.
*VOTE NOW for your most-loved stars and shows in the TV Times 2013 Awards and enter a draw for 47in LED TVs, YouView boxes and John Lewis vouchers.
"I've done a lot of growing up and I still have time to grow," Tamera said. "I don't want to be judged on my past - it's what I'm doing now that really matters."
The teenager will sing the Labrinth and Emeli Sande ballad Beneath Your Beautiful on Saturday's love and heartbreak themed X Factor, which kicks off at 8pm.
