Sharon Osbourne helps Nicole Scherzinger avoid a wardrobe malfunction on the first X Factor live show

NICOLE SCHERZINGER narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction last night thanks to Sharon Osbourne.

The 64-year-old came to the former Pussycat Doll's rescue and covered her cleavage as as Nicole danced provocatively to 5 After Midnight.

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The incident happened on the first live show of the new series.

The boy-band had kicked off the episode with a rousing rendition of Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling.

Nicole got into the spirit of things and sang and danced along with the performance.

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The Hawaiian beauty was wearing a stunning Philipp Plein gold and black dress which was designed to show off her curves.

However, her dancing might have been a bit too vigorous and, anticipating a wardrobe malfunction, Sharon stepped in and covered her up, leaving them both red faced.

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Sharon declared: "I'm covering her breasts in case they fall out!"

Simon couldn't help but embarrass the brunette further by commenting: "There's something stirring inside me after that."

This wasn't the only drama on the show as viewers took to Twitter to question whether the judges were DRUNK.

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Particularly after Sharon completely fudged introducing her act Saara Alto, and referred to Bratavio as "the ugly stepsisters."

One fan wrote: "Howling is Sharon drunk?! #XFactor"

While another commented: "Is Sharon doing the xfactor drunk this year she's crackers maaaan #XFactor".

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A viewer tweeted: "Simon is SO DRUNK omg they are all so so drunk #XFactor".

Another wrote: "I wish I was as drunk as Sharon right now #XFactor".

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