The Wanted star Nathan Sykes has leapt to the defence of ‘best mate’ Dionne Bromfield after the Friday Download co-presenter became the target of online abuse.

The 18-year-old, who has previously been romantically linked with the god-daughter of Amy Winehouse, took to Twitter earlier today to express his disappointment at some of his fans’ behaviour towards the soul singer.

He said: "All of the hate to @dionneofficial has gotta stop. I'm fed up with seeing one of my best mates get hate off some members of the #twfanmily. Yes I know its a very small percentage of people but if u have got nothing nice to say, don't bother saying it. Dionne is a top girl who would never say a bad thing to anyone.

“What makes it worse is that the people sayin it have never even met her and ironically would probably really get on well with her. Me and dionne are really good mates but nothing more. So please, even if just for me, leave off it. #rantover." 

The youngest member of The Wanted, who are currently enjoying success in the US with their single, 'Glad You Came,' went onto add: “And yes, I know its 6am here and I have barely slept but its been playing on my mind... Last thing! I'm not annoyed at anyone in the #twfanmily I'm just putting out there what is on my mind atm! Aint that the point of twitter?!”

Dionne had previously hinted at the abuse she’d received in a Twitter message posted last night, saying: “funny how teen girls love to insult other girls....then turn things round like there so innocent when there revealed...#notcool."