The rumours that Ashley Tisdale has HIV have been fiercely shot down by the High School Musical star’s mother.

Scurrilous claims appeared online last week, suggesting the actress who plays Sharpay contracted the deadly virus from contaminated equipment during a nose job.

They prompted the 22-year-old to speak out denying the claims - and now her mother Lisa is getting involved.

She tells Star magazine: "My daughter is healthy and just fine - but my husband and I just don't know why anyone would spread such a rumour.

"And what really upsets me is that anyone can write anything, and it ends up on the Internet. It's so irresponsible; so many people will just assume it's a fact."

Listen to Ashley working out her vocal chords on some cheesy 80's pop songs here.