Ronan Keating has leapt to the defence of Mel B after the Spice Girl was criticised for her bitchiness during her role as guest judge on Saturday night's The X-Factor.

The Boyzone star, who works alongside Scary Spice on the Australian version of the talent show, told The Sun that she’s just what the series needs:

“She’s just honest and we love that about Mel. And that’s why she should be on the panel. You need those sort of comments.”

The 35-year-old, who yesterday admitted that he deserved everything he got in regards to his marriage split, went on to add that he’s now become used to Mel’s behaviour:

“I know Mel pretty well and she’s never shocked me. It’d be boring if all of us were the same.”