Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has given his backing to much-troubled Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty.

Pete has become an even bigger object of loathing in the media since the ‘Cocaine Kate’ saga emerged. Since expose Doherty has been sick on stage, smashed up his instruments, allegedly threatened a journalist and apparently ran off with a 16 year old girl.

Despite all this, Mr Kapranos is still impressed with Doherty’s music. He told the star: “Pete Doherty is a brilliant songwriter. ‘Fuck Forever’ is a real anthem. I was really impressed with him when I saw him in Paris.”

Kapranos went on to offer his support to Mercury Music Prize winning Antony and the Johnsons, saying: “The Mercury is about innovation. He’s performing from the heart and as a songwriter, I understand what he’s gone through to put his feelings out there.”

You don’t dress up like a woman do you Alex?