According to The Sun, plans to launch N-Dubz in America may be hindered by Dappy's criminal record, which is causing visa headaches for the band's management as they try to capitalise on interest in the urban combo from US labels. The Dapster got a suspended sentence after a drunken altercation in 2008, which is something US visa officials often look down on.

One of those sources told the tab: "This has been a massive setback. A lot of US label chiefs have been over to see the band and have been making serious noises about breaking N-Dubz in America. But Dappy has got a fairly colourful past, which is causing problems with the visa. He is gutted but he is confident it can all be sorted".