Nicole Scherzinger, 41, and X Factor Celebrity contestant, Thom Evans of Try Star, have been rumoured to be romantically involved. And, he’s finally addressed the claims in an exclusive interview with the Mail Online on Wednesday evening. Thom, an ex-Scotland rugby international, confessed to finding Nicole “lovely and stunning, talented and amazing” as he discussed their rumoured romance.
“She’s stunning. And has [romance] crossed my mind? Yes. But we don’t have much time,” he admitted.
The singing sensation explained how busy the talent show keeps them both, with voice training and rehearsals.
Thom is one third of the group Try Star, along with bandmates, former England U18s and U19s international, Levi Davis and Ben Foden who plays for Rugby United New York.
With the final in two weeks, Ben insisted that he was focusing on the end of the competition with his group.
“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,” he said.
It’s been widely reported that the two X Factor stars went on a date last week, sparking rumours they were together.
The Sun On Sunday reported the duo flirted and texted for weeks before Thom eventually asked out the former member of the Pussycat Dolls.
But with Try Star as a clear favourite to win the rebranded ITV talent contest, the rugby star explained how invested he is in giving the competition his all, calling it the “biggest buzz”.
“It’s madness but in a really good way,” he said.
“From the moment we did No Diggity out in Malibu there was definitely something unique between us three. We all felt it and it felt like the audience did. It’s the biggest buzz.”
He explained how serious the band were taking it: “Every week we have tried to up our game. The audience can see the transition. We didn’t want this to be a gimmick!”
But this isn’t the first time the three band members have tried their hand at singing.
Thom has forged a media career outside of the scrum since retiring from the sport after a serious neck injury at 24 years of age.
One of his more high-profile gigs was appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, where he was partnered with Iveta Lukosiute.
He didn’t get very far, as he was then the fourth celebrity to be eliminated from the series.
He was also a member of teenage pop group Twen2y4Se7en, who supported Peter Andre and Westlife on tour.
His co-star, Levi Davis who now plays for Bath United, was part of band Majesti and is also studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute.
And, third member, Ben received a standing ovation when he performed John Legend’s All of Me on a League of Their Own in 2017. He also showed off his vocal talents on the 2018 Christmas special of BBC One’s All Together Now.
