X Factor star Gamu Nhengu's MSP has criticised the decision by UK border authorities to deport her to Zimbabwe.

The UK Border Agency ruled it was safe for the singer's family to be sent home - even though she has claimed she faces a firing squad if she returns.

A Home Office official 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, who lives in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, moved to the UK eight years ago with her mother, who has been working as a nurse, but her visa recently expired.

Nationalist MSP Keith Brown, who represents the Ochil constituency, 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."

An original decision to deport the family was overturned in November over a "technical issue".

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

Gamu was the early favourite to win the last series of X Factor after her performance of Walking On Sunshine, before she sparked a national uproar when she was rejected by judge Cheryl Cole.

More than 250,000 fans signed up to a Facebook page called Gamu Should Have Got Through in protest at the decision to leave her out of the final 12.

By Special correspondent