JLS have slammed the "witch hunt" against X Factor contestants Rylan Clark and Christopher Maloney.

The boy band - comprising Aston Merrygold, Oritsé Williams, J.B. Gill and Marvin Humes - were runners up on the fifth series of the hit TV talent show.

Controversial contestants in this year's competition Clark and Maloney have faced a barrage of criticism from people who believe they shouldn't still be in the running for the ultimate X Factor prize.

However, JLS disagree with such condemnation from viewers of the show.

Speaking to Digital Spy band member Humes said: "One thing I don't like is the witch hunt with Chris and Rylan. I think it's unfair. Those guys, all they did was enter a competition to try and change their lives and get exposure. It's not their fault they're still here. People are voting for them. Everyone says this thing about a 'fix'."

He added: "When people say it's a fix I don't understand what they mean. It's ridiculous. I think if something was a fix the favourite would win. It doesn't make sense to me. But I do think it's unfair that they're getting death threats and bad press and things like that. I think it's really bad.

"They're just two guys that wanted to enter a competition like we did. Like Leona Lewis did. Like One Direction did."