A SWING musician who regularly performs with Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists The Jive Aces has defended them after it was alleged they tried to ‘brainwash’ a former member into becoming a scientologist.

Hayley Faulkner, known as Li’l Miss Hayley, has backed the group after a previous guitarist hit out at the band through the national press.

Johnny Gunner told The Sun newspaper the Jive Aces tried to control his behaviour after they joined the religion – which was founded by science fiction writer L Ron Hubbard in 1953.

Nineteen-year-old Hayley, who lives in Royston, said: “Because I was quite young when I started playing with them I didn’t know about it. I think over the years scientology has come up but it has never been a massive thing surrounding me but obviously it is a big part of their life.

“The guitarist saying that they tried to convert him, that he had to do things and he had to leave the band is ridiculous, because they are the most genuine guys I have ever met.

“One of the things that came up was when they informed about the dangers of paracetamol. The only reason they said that was they were concerned about my health.”

Hayley has played with the band since she was 15 and learnt to play the double bass after she borrowed an instrument from a band member.

She went on to appear in venues around the world including clubs in America and Holland.

The band were knocked out of the contest on Sunday night but the Lancaster Road resident has praised their success.

“I think it is great they got so far and it’s great publicity for them. It’s good that they are not just a young band that looks good. Their music got them that far.”