The Vamps guitarist James McVey thinks Little Mix didn't deserve criticism for their X Factor outfits.

The girl group courted controversy for having risque costumes last weekend when they performed on the ITV show.

One of those who spoke out against their style was Spice Girls star Melanie C.

Speaking to The Sun, James McVey said he feels there was some gender "inequality" at play with the comments.

He said: "If we performed wearing vests or even topless the only backlash would be from guys saying we look silly.

"But as soon as girls do it, it's labelled as inappropriate and I think ultimately it's that gender inequality and it's stereotyping, which needs to stop.

"It's their choice what they wear. To me personally you couldn't see sexual organs, I don't get the backlash. I don't see why they got the harsh comments they did."

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Watch Little Mix perform on the X Factor below: