X Factor hopeful Cher Lloyd has reportedly embarked on a secret relationship with show heart-throb Aiden Grimshaw.

Insiders say that the talented pair met at bootcamp and started dating, despite the fact that all romantic endeavours have been banned by show boss, Simon Cowell.

Cher, 16, from Malvern in Worcestershire was first seen impressing Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Natalie Imbruglia at her initial audition, when she sang Turn My Swag On by Soulja Boy. On Sunday’s bootcamp show, Cher wowed Nicole Scherzinger with her original take on Coldplay’s Viva La Vida.

Aiden was first seen on the talent show, singing Gold-digger by Kanye West for Simon, Louis and guest judge Nicole Scherziner. On the recent bootcamp show, he was seen performing David Gray’s ‘This Year’s Love’ for the panel, which helped him win a place in the judges houses round.

The pair are said to have bonded over their love of music and are now ‘inseparable.’ A source told Star magazine: “Cher had a crush on Aiden from the start but it took a few weeks for the feeling to become mutual.

“They are desperate to keep their romance a secret because relationships between contestants are really frowned upon in this series.”

The insider added: “Simon has laid down the law and insisted there would be no girls in the boys’ rooms after dark, no relationships, no drinking, no smoking, no excessive noise and no bad behaviour.

“He has made it very clear that no one is bigger than the show and everyone is expendable, so if they break the rules they are out.”

Cher seems to be a real hit with the men and sources had previously reported that she was also seeing 1 Direction member, Liam Payne. What’s next? A fling with Wagner?