'Nasty Geri' in jibe at Popstar wannabe

Geri Halliwell got off to a controversial start as a judge in Popstars: the Rivals.

She has already upset one size 16 hopeful who claims she called her 'larger than life' in a sarcastic way.

Carol Lynch from Basildon in Essex has made comments about Geri's figure in return, saying she has the figure of an eight-year-old.

Geri had promised to be "honest but with compassion" when dealing with the pop wannabes.

She joined Westlife manager Louis Walsh and Pete Waterman on the first day of auditions for the series. Four hundred hopefuls queued for hours for the chance to strut their stuff in front of the judges.

Ms Lynch claims Geri Halliwell made a jibe about her weight.

The shop assistant from Basildon, Essex said: "When I finished singing, Pete or Louis said I was a larger-than-life character."

She went on: "Then Geri said: 'yeah, very larger than life' in a sarky way.

"I was all smiles and just walked out, but I couldn't believe it."

But Carol added: "She looks like a child. She's got the figure of an eight-year-old. I'm not eating food and throwing it up in a toilet for anyone."