X Factor hopeful Cher Lloyd is a proud gypsy who wants to release a hit Romany record on her debut album, her dad revealed yesterday.

And proud dad Darren insisted his daughter was ”fine mentally” despite concerns over her fragile state.

Jobless Darren, in his 40s, said 17-year-old Cher – favourite to win X Factor – even wants to sing a traditional Gypsy song on her first album.

Speaking at the family home in Malvern, Worcs., he said: ”Cher is extremely proud of her family background.

”There are strong Romany roots on her mother’s side and Cher is keen to learn more about her heritage.

”She would love to sing a Romany gypsy song on her first album.”

Cher, who crumbled dramatically in her final audition in front of mentor Cheryl Cole, now has a 24-hour counsellor on hand to offer support.

But despite the teenager’s fragile mental state dad Darren said she was ”stronger than ever”.

He said: ”Cher was ill and couldn’t give it her all that’s why she couldn’t finish her audition.

”She’s absolutely fine mentally and can’t wait to perform in the live finals.

”She feels stronger than ever and is very excited to be in the finals and just wants to sing, we’re all behind her.”

Cher’s personal life has been rocked recently after shocking details of her family’s criminal past emerged.

Dad Darren, a jobless self-confessed alcoholic, once told cops he was Harry Potter and lived at The Philosopher’s Stone when they pulled him over for drink driving in 2003.

In 2001 one relative was jailed for six years for grievous bodily harm with intent and another admitted beating up a woman in the same attack.

Cher herself also found herself in hot water when she was suspended from The Chase School in Malvern after she battered a girl in the playground.

And last month Cher was left distraught after he beloved uncle Edward Smith, 34, died suddenly.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: ”You wouldn’t want to cross any of them, they take the gypsy rule of sticking together and protecting their own very seriously.”

Despite a poor performance from Cher on Sunday’s show, the youngster controversially was controversially put through ahead of Gamu Nhengu by Cheryl Cole.

However, it’s rumoured there will be four ‘wildcard’ entries at the final stages after show star Simon Cowell was photographed visiting X Factor rejects Diva Fever on Saturday afternoon.