Cheryl Cole: "Criticism Of Will.I.Am's Olympic Torch Relay Was Not Right" – Audio

13 June 2012, 07:42

The 'Call My Name' star hails manager as an "honorary" Brit after he's criticised for running the relay.

Cheryl Cole has said watching Will.i.am carry the Olympic torch was "incredible" and that criticism of his part in the torch relay was not fair.

The Black Eyed Peas star and the 'Call My Name' singer's manager ran with the torch in Taunton, Somerset last month.  

At the time, the American was criticised by some media publications because he is not British, but Cheryl said Will.i.am was now an "honorary Brit".

Speaking to Capitalfm.com at the Summertime Ball, Cheryl said: "I heard a couple of people say, 'He's not British', but it's not about that.

"The Olympics, we're inviting people from all over the world to come and race or do whatever their part is in the Olympics in our country, everybody is welcome, so that's (the criticism) not right."

She continued: "He thoroughly enjoyed it. He carried that torch everywhere – he had it on The Voice. He's obsessed with it. I think he's an honorary Brit."

Check out a picture of Will.i.am running with the Olympic torch below:

The torch relay takes place over 70 days covering 8000 miles with a host of celebrity torchbearers taking part in the event and will run until the Olympics opening ceremony.

Cheryl was a surprise guest at Capital's Summertime Ball last weekend and wowed fans at Wembley Stadium with a performance of 'Call My Name'.

The Girls Aloud star's single is the first to be taken from her forthcoming album 'A Million Lights'.

Listen to Cheryl Cole talk about Will.i.am's Olympic torch relay below:

Cheryl Cole speaks to Capital FM about Will.i.am's Olympic torch relay

Meanwhile, Cheryl has announced details of a UK arena tour, which will take place later this year.