10:39 07 October 2010
X Factor reject Gamu Nhengu will fight to stay in the UK, according to her family lawyer.
The 18-year-old singer, originally from Zimbabwe, was told that she must leave the UK after her motherÂ’s visa application was refused.
The Nhengu family’s solicitor, Frances Farrell, has said that they will fight plans to deport them “all the way”.
Gamu was told she would not be going through to the live stages of the competition by mentor Cheryl Cole on Sunday night.
ColeÂ’s decision had been met with criticism, but it was later discovered that her motherÂ’s visa had expired. She had been attending university in the UK.
Gamu and her family have been told they do not have the right of appeal and must leave the UK or face deportation.
ITV bosses have denied that Cheryl was influenced by visa issues, with a spokeswoman adding:
“We are supporting Gamu and her family during this difficult time.”