Credit for someone else, now defaulted

StacRog

2 years ago I agreed to help a friend out and get a mobile phone contract for him and then get the name changed later.
I remember getting a bill reminder for this account and contacting both orange and the "friend" who then change the account to his name.
I had not heard anything since.
I have twice in 1 year been refused credit and have after the 1st refusal made sure I had no bank charges or late payments and was suprised to be declined again.
I looked at my credit report and an amount of £128 default since Nov 2014 with "gone away" is on my file.
I had no further bills from orange. No further communication since the name was changed. That person is not a linked contact/ associate on my report.
Is there anything I can do?
If the friend speaks to orange/ EE , would they rectify and take this off my report.
If I pay the amount myself would they be likely to remove this default from my file.
If not, would this be affecting my mortgage chances for 6 years?
Thanks for any help.

[Deleted User]

No. It will remain on your file.

Get it paid and its effect will diminish.