The American singer battled the eating disorder while performing with the Pussycat Dolls aged 27.

Speaking to Joe Michalczuk for Sky News’ Entertainment Week programme, the star said she hid her illness from her family and friends.

Scherzinger, 36, said she never thought she would “come out about it” but made the decision to tell her story of recovery to help other sufferers.

“For anyone who has shared an addiction or condition, it’s a very shameful thing and it’s a dark place. Let’s use it for a positive.

“You feel so alone and feel like no one else in the world can relate and it’s embarrassing when you take everything in the world and in your head out on yourself.”

The singer, who is in a relationship with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, also talked about her struggles with the British media.

“My first year coming to X Factor the press were writing so much smack about me saying she’s going to be so boring, we want Mel B, and I thought ‘Oh my gosh I’m walking into a battlefield it’s not a warm reception’.

“Then I thought you know what f*** it, if there’s anything I know it’s this c*** so throw me into the lion’s den and I won’t sink I’ll swim.”

Scherzinger is not due to return to the X Factor this year.

Her new single Your Love is out this weekend and her new solo album follows in the autumn.