"Gamugate" gathers pace after X Factor controversy

Crowds have gathered outside Gamu Nhengu's family home in Scotland to show their support for the singer after her X Factor exit and news she faces deportation from Britain.

Reality TV fans were shocked when Cheryl Cole decided not to take the bookies favourite through to the live shows.

Her decision triggered a Facebook campaign that drew more than 200,00 supporters and saw Gamu's face splashed across many tabloid newspapers.

Meanwhile news soon followed that Gamu's mother had been refused permission to stay in Britain by immigration officials.

"The applications made by Ms. Ngazana and her family were considered in line with the published immigration rules," the Home Office said in a statement.

"Ms. Ngazana's application was refused as it did not meet all of the conditions for approval. Her family, who had applied as her dependants, were therefore also refused.

"Where people are found to have no right to remain in the UK we expect them to leave voluntarily."

However Gamu's mother told a journalist at her front door that she did not know about her visa status.

It was not clear whether Cheryl made her controversial decision in the knowledge that there were issues with Nhengu's immigration status.