X Factor choreographer Brian Friedman has defended his old pal Britney Spears against critics of her performance on the show last week.

Britney has been widely criticised for miming on last Saturday’s X Factor, for failing to mentor the contestants or even watch their performances backstage.

Brian told MSN:

"Everyone was really upset with Britney for miming. It’s not the first time that’s happened, so I don’t know why anyone would be surprised about that.

"Pop stars mime, that’s what they do. They dance and they mime, so I’m not really bothered about that you know."