Olly Murs has leapt to the defence of Cheryl after the star was accused of miming on the X Factor on Sunday (November 2).

The gorgeous Geordie swapped the judging panel for the stage to sing her new single I Don't Care - with many later criticising Chezza for apparently lip-synching.

When asked about Fernandez-Versini's performance, Olly exclusively told MTV News: "Honestly, I watched it and thought it was a good performance. I think Cheryl's great, I really like her, so really I don’t know where all these stories come from. You know what I mean?

"She's great, I liked her performance. I think she cool, I like Cheryl!End of the day, she's a great performer, she dances well, she's sexy, she's just great."

He continued: "I just think people always try and nitpick all these different little (things). Just watch it and enjoy, it's fun.”

[related]The singer went on to address Cheryl's chart success with the tune, stating: "She going to No.1.It's a good song, she's a cool person, so I don’t see what all the fuss is about? It was a performance, I thought it was really, really good."

Speaking of the Girls Aloud star'srumoured nip-slip during herstint on stage, Olly insists he never saw anything… but intends to find out the truth!

He joked: “Did she have a nip-slip? What? I didn’t see that, I’m going to go back and Sky plus it."

Olly's new single Wrapped Up - featuring Travie McCoy - is due for release on November 16.

By Joanne Dorken @MTVUK