Pupils of X Factor semi finalist Danyl Johnson, have insisted that he isn’t cocky or arrogant and that the press have gotten him all wrong.

Danyl used to teach at Mo’s Dance and Drama School in Caversham and former student Ellie Chapman, 12, told the BBC: “It’s a load of rubbish that he’s too cocky and confident.

“If Dan does the same things that Ollie does he gets beaten up for it.

“It’s not fair, the press that he’s been having.

“I just want to tell all you guys out there that all of that is absolute nonsense. He’s exactly the opposite.”

Ellie also thinks that Danyl hasn’t been treated fairly by Simon Cowell, who she thinks favours fellow contestant Olly Murs.

“They’re both in the same category, and a lot of people say ‘we really like Ollie because he has so much energy’,” she said. “But Dan can do that too, it’s almost like he’s being held back by Simon Cowell.

“I reckon he should be given the opportunity to dance and sing as well which he did on Saturday.”

Sam Chapman, 13, said that Danyl was an ‘inspirational’ teacher.

“He was very excitable, very energetic,” he said: “He pushed us hard, which helped me quite a bit.”

“His energy is definitely something to aspire to and also he is very very good at what he does.”

It’s nice to see a positive story emerging about Mr Johnson for a change. We’d love to hear your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below.