Thom Evans has fuelled romance rumours with X Factor Celebrity judge Nicole Scherzinger by confessing that dating the star has "crossed his mind" following their recent flirty encounters.
The contestant, 34, and the judge, 41, sparked speculation they were secretly involved after heading on a string of low-key nights out together.
The rugby ace, who is a member of boy band Try Star, addressed the romance claims in an interview with Mail Online .
The sporty hunk gushed about Nicole's "stunning" appearance and called her "talented and amazing", before revealing the truth about their relationship status.
He said: "She’s stunning. And has [romance] crossed my mind? Yes. But we don't have much time."
Thom insisted he has no time for romance and is focusing on getting to the final, fuelling gossip he could woo the former Pussycat Doll after the show ends.
He added: "To be honest, we are focusing on the bromance and getting to the final!
"We are working on choreography, vocal lessons, and it's all so full on. So there's not a lot of time for much else."
Thom's cheeky remarks about Nicole come after the reality show judge and rugby ace enjoyed a secret night out together earlier in the week.
An insider previously told The Sun : "Thom is completely Nicole's type. And for his part, Thom was smitten early on — he's always said Nicole is one of the most beautiful women in the world."
Recent reports have claimed the genetically-blessed duo have been texting, meeting up for drinks and flirting over the past couple of weeks.
Thom and Nicole are thought to have spent last Saturday night together, partying at Tape, hours after they were romantically linked.
It's said the pair have had 'great chemistry from the off'.
The rugby lad is currently on the ITV show with his rugby pals Ben Foden and Levi Davis, who make up the band Try Star.
Nicole even told the audience at the show's launch that she'd be up for getting to know them, laughing: "These guys are hot. I'm newly single and ready to mingle."
However, just last week Thom said he was taking a vow of celibacy until The X Factor ends so he can concentrate on winning.
He bragged that lots of men and women have been sliding into his DMs, but he doesn't want to meet anyone online.
He insisted that he's been trying to steer clear of romance and abstain from sex throughout his Celebrity X Factor experience.
Shockingly, the X Factor hopeful also hinted at potential romances with his fellow singing contestants on the show, but said he is choosing not to "indulge".
Nicole was previously in a long-term relationship with F1 champ Lewis Hamilton, while Thom once had a high-profile romance with Kelly Brook, which broke down after she suffered a second miscarriage.
*X Factor Celebrity continues on Saturday on ITV.
