Rylan Clark has spoken out to defend his friend James Arthur over accusations he's homophobic.
The former 'X Factor' star told This Morning: "James has had a rough couple of weeks and I'm going to say my piece on this - James is one of my best friends and I can hand on heart sit here and say he's not homophobic."
James Arthur, Rylan Clark and Jahmene Douglas
Rylan's support comes after the 'Impossible' singer made a public apology on the 'X Factor' this weekend for his recent behaviour, saying he had made some "silly mistakes".
Essex star Rylan added: "I shared a bed with the boy for ten weeks! I love him to bits. He's had a really, really tough few months without going into detail and he made a stupid mistake - he's a stupid boy. But that's what he did, he made a stupid mistake."
James first came under fire after using the word "queer" in a recent rap. He then argued with fellow contestant Lucy Spraggan, who said she was disappointed in the language he had chosen to use.