Heat magazine has reported that X factor judge, Cheryl Cole, has become quite pally with an X Factor contestant Rikki Loney.

Rikki auditioned for the show last year and made it to the final 24 acts before being sent home. He has come back this year and been befriended by Cheryl Cole because of his close friendship with last year’s Laura White.

A source said: “Cheryl and Rikki are getting on really well. They bonded immediately because of Laura and it’s just the boost he needed.”

This would all fit in with reports that Cheryl will be mentoring the under 25 boys this year….expect to see more of Rikki.