I've never felt like this before

X Factor star's romance with 18-year-old Zayn Malik...

09:48 08 June 2011

X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson has opened up about her relationship with 18-year-old fellow contestant, Zayn Malik.

The 24-year-old mother-of-two told Reveal magazine that the future is looking promising for her and the One Direction star, saying:

"I'm in love and it's a wonderful feeling. I've never felt like this before. It took a while before we looked at each other in a different light.

"There was no one particular moment, it just evolved over time. But he made all the running."

She also told the publication that the relationship was made easier by the fact that her two children, six-year-old Lillie May and five-year-old Karl, already got on with Malik:

"My kids were with me right from the start of things on the programme so they had always known Zayn."

In the interview, the Liverpudlian singer also spoke about her mentor Cheryl Cole, revealing that the former X Factor judge hadn't been in contact:

"As a mentor, she was very down to earth and approachable. She hasn't been in touch since then, but I understand why.

"For me, the past few months have been a whirlwind and I realise just how hectic a show business schedule can be."