MSP vows to fight Gamu's deportation to Zimbabwe

THE local MSP of former X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu has spoken out over the decision to deport her.

The 19-year-old has lost an appeal to stay in the UK and must leave her home in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, as soon as possible.

Border Agency chiefs have ruled that it is safe for her to return to her native Zimbabwe. But her MSP, Keith Brown, said: "If the reports are to be believed, Gamu and her family have lost their appeal to stay in the country which has been their home for over six years.

"I previously supported their application to stay in Scotland and I believe the wrong decision has been made here. As their local MSP, I will continue to work with them and offer any support I can."

A Home Office source is reported to have said: "We are doing everything we can to remove her and her family who are here illegally. They will be deported at some point."

Gamu and her family moved to Britain eight years ago. She was early favourite to win X Factor after her performance of Walking On Sunshine, but sparked a national uproar when she was rejected by judge Cheryl Cole.

Gamu was also caught up in the auto-tuning storm on the show, where auditionees' voices were altered by the pitch- changing software.

Her mother Nokutula's visa expired last year and their application to remain was rejected after it emerged that she had claimed 16,000 in working tax credits.

Gamu claimed she could face a firing squad upon her return to the country.