X Factor's Gamu loses visa appeal

FORMER X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu faces being deported to Zimbabwe following a Home Office ruling.

The 19-year-old singer, who was eliminated from the ITV talent show during last year's series, was ordered to leave the UK after her mother Nokuthula Ngazana's visa application was turned down.

Ms Nhengu and her family, who live in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, hoped they would be allowed to remain in their adopted country after the Home Office decided to reconsider her case in November.

The family's lawyer, Frances Farrell, said they were disappointed by the latest ruling and an appeal would be lodged.

Ms Nhengu and her family are said to have arrived in Scotland from Zimbabwe about six years ago. The singer was allowed to stay in the country as a dependant while her mother studied at university.

She went on to become a household name when X Factor judge Cheryl Cole failed to put her through to the live shows.

Her mother's visa expired and the family's application to remain was rejected as they did not meet Home Office criteria.

The family was told in October to leave the UK voluntarily or face deportation, but got a reprieve when granted a full appeal hearing before a judge in Glasgow.

Ms Nhengu has said she could face a firing squad if she was forced to return to Zimbabwe.