Immigration row as 'X Factor'

Labour MP Gordon Banks said Scottish Secretary Michael Moore should "bang heads together" and take a personal look at the situation faced by Gamu Nhengu, who is one of his constituents.

And the singer's local MSP, Keith Brown of the SNP, condemned the "terrible situation" the teenager finds herself in and demanded answers from immigration officials.

The teenager, who was eliminated from the ITV show at the weekend despite being a huge hit with fans, must return to her native Zimbabwe, the UK Border Agency said.

Miss Nhengu, 18, was allowed to stay in the country as a dependant while her mother, Nokuthula Ngazana, studied at university. But her visa has now expired and the family's application to remain has been rejected as they did not meet Home Office criteria.

Mr Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said the family was "understandably distraught" by the situation.

The politicians' comments came as online campaigns were launched to protest at Miss Nhengu's proposed removal from the UK.

Her controversial axeing from the X Factor has also caused a storm among viewers. So far, more than 220,000 fans have signed up to a Facebook page protesting at the decision.