X Factor hopeful Mary Byrne has admitted that she has a bit of a soft spot for Simon Cowell.

The 50 year old Tesco worker, impressed Katy Perry, Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh with a heartfelt rendition of Tom Jones’ I Who Have Nothing on Saturday night’s show. After her audition, Simon Cowell told the Irish woman:

“I think you have the best voice out of everyone who has auditioned her today. Seriously, seriously good. Actually more than that, I really like you.”

Mary made it through to bootcamp and in an interview with The Sun, recently admitted that the music mogul made a big impression on her.

She said:

“When you see him being hard and macho you think, ‘Ooh, he’s a naughty man!’

“I like Simon. I think he’s very attractive. He’s a nice person. Behind the scenes he’s a big softie.

“I don’t know a woman who wouldn’t give their left arm to be Simon Cowell’s partner.”

However, Mary added that she isn’t desperate to find Mr Right and having been hurt a few times in the past, she is happy to be single for the moment.

She said:

“I’ve been hurt a few times in relationships. I’m one of these people who gives a lot more than they get. I do have a big heart. I will give an awful lot more to a relationship and I fall in love very very quickly.

“I’m quite happy on my own at the moment. But we do get our needs as women!

“I’ve learned to like who I am and to live with me. If something comes along, it does, and if it doesn’t, it wouldn’t be the end of my world.

“I won’t be as soft with men as I used to. I won’t do the chasing or be walked all over, never again.”