X-FACTOR winner James Arthur has denied allegations in a national newspaper that he paid £1,000 for a night with two escort girls.

The Saltburn singer, who won the TV talent show last year, took to Twitter to deny The Sun’s claims that he invited the girls to a party at his flat.

In its comment the newspaper said the story was a “seedy slap in the face” for the people who voted for him on the family show and said he needed a “moral compass – and fast”.

But on Twitter James said: “Apologies to my fans reading lies about me today. This is just another attempt by The Sun to assassinate the character of someone who is trying to do something positive with his life bcoz (sic) I come from the X Factor. It’s pure slander so I fight back.”

He added: “How can someone who writes for the Sun who prints utter bull**** say I need a moral compass?”

The story claimed that Arthur had left his socks on during the alleged episode with the girls.

He later made light of this on Twitter by launching a competition for people to send him pictures of their feet.

He thanked fans for their enduring support and said: “Wow I love you lot, your support is incredible, seriously I’m blown away here, I’m inundated with love. You will be repaid for your support xx.”