TABLOID rumours that Reece Bibby could be axed from eight-member boy band Stereo Kicks have been branded ‘utter rubbish’.

An article in a national newspaper yesterday said X Factor judge and the band’s mentor, Louis Walsh, was considering chopping the band down to six members – and claimed Accrington lad Reece could be one of those in the firing line.

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But dad Jamie said: “We have had it confirmed from a very high source that it’s utter rubbish. When I first heard, my initial reaction was, ‘what’s going on here?’ “I contacted the appropriate people and had it confirmed that it was absolute nonsense.”

Using the band’s official Twitter page, Reece said: “About the ‘eight members to six’ story ... this is not true. It is completely made up. We are an eight-piece.”

On Sunday’s Xtra Factor show, Louis said he was ‘very happy’ with his two remaining acts, although he admitted he wouldn’t have put together an eight-member band.

He said: “Simon Cowell is the person who made this band an eight-piece. Eight never worked in a boy band. I wouldn’t want eight people, I never have wanted eight people, so I will have to talk to the boys.

“I wouldn’t change anybody but I will have to talk to the boys and see if they want to do anything.”