Gamu Nhengu, 19, and her family granted right to remain in UK after immigration court turns down Home Office appeal
The former X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu, her two brothers and mother have won their fight to stay in the UK.
Nhengu, 19, and her family, who are originally from Zimbabwe, had been refused leave to remain in February by the Home Office.
Earlier this year, they successfully appealed against the decision, but the Home Office then tried to overturn the decision and have the family deported.
The Home Office confirmed that a judge at the immigration court in Glasgow had refused its appeal – meaning that the singer and her family have been granted leave to remain in the UK.
Their lawyer, Frances Farrell, said Nhengu and her family were "delighted".
She added: "This has come after such a long ordeal. The Home Office has a last resort appeal right to the court of session, but I hope they respect the judgment made today. My client has been granted leave to remain in the UK so now she and her family are able to get on with their lives."
Nhengu, who lives in Clackmannanshire, gained fame on last year's X Factor programme when she was controversially kicked off the show during the judges' houses round.
She was dropped by judge Cheryl Cole, who took Katie Waissel, Cher Lloyd and Rebecca Ferguson through to the finals.
Her mother had her visa renewal turned down in August 2010, triggering a legal battle against deportation to Zimbabwe.
A UK Borders Agency spokesman said: "We are disappointed with the court's decision in this case and will be looking closely at the judgment.
"The UK Border Agency considers every case carefully and where we do not believe someone has the right to stay in the country, and they do not require our protection, we expect them to return home."
