The Westlife boys have joined the ever-growing line of people ready to jump to the defence of Michael Jackson.

Following ex-Busted man James Bourne hanging out with the troubled star a few weeks ago, the Irish boy band are the latest to reveal they are big Jacko fans.

Speaking on MTV's Total Request Live, band member Kian said: "He's a legend in our eyes no matter what anybody else says about him.

"People say he's fallen but he's an absolute legend in our eyes."

He added: "For us, we'd love to [work with him] but it's a typical Louis Walsh scenario, you know. He goes in there and chats about everybody, so it probably won't happen realistically."

The group has recently recorded a collaboration with Diana Ross called When You Tell Me That You Love Me, due to be released in time to attack the Christmas number one spot.

The Irish guys are amongst the favourites to land the coveted festive top spot, with rival tracks being released by Crazy Frog, Robbie Williams and G4.