N-Dubz are one of Britain’s most successful musical acts, famed for their blunt opinions, foul mouths and controversial lyrics.

But in a new BBC Three documentary, the band’s resident diva Tulisa Contostavlos reveals a more vulnerable side as she discusses her tough and challenging upbringing.

My Mum and Me, part of BBC Three’s adult season, is a documentary focusing on Tulisa’s relationship with her mother, who suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which is a combination and serious mood disorder and schizophrenia.

At just 11, Tulisa was forced into the role of primary carer and had to deal with her mother Anne’s severe mood swings, hallucinations and extreme paranoia.

In-between extensive hospital stays, Anne would force her only child Tulisa into becoming a recluse with her in their one bedroom flat.

Her tough childhood has led Tulisa to speak out in the BBC Three documentary, which she hopes will shed light on mental health in Britain:

“Mental healthcare in this country is much better now, although we still have a long way to go. Too often people like me are just left to get on with it.”

“But there are support groups now, which is a huge step forward because one of the worst things about dealing with my mum was how helpless and alone I felt at such a vulnerable age.”

Watch My Mum and Me, tomorrow at 9 on BBC Three.