By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:09 PM on 20th March 2011
X Factor runner up Rebecca Ferguson is dating One Direction's Zayn Malik, it has been claimed.
The 24-year-old mother-of-two is said to have grown close to Zayn, 18, during the X Factor tour.
However, bosses are apparently keen to keep the new relationship a secret for now, for fear that it could harm one or both of their careers.
Dating? Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction's Zayn Malik have apparently grown close during the X Factor tour
A source told the News of the World: 'This relationship could damage Rebecca's career. She is seen as the devoted mother who doesn't have time for a relationship, especially with a teenager.
'One Direction's female fans will hate the thought of having a relationship with someone older.'
While neither Rebecca or Zayn have confirmed the relationship, Rebecca posted a slightly cryptic message on her Twitter page this evening.
She tweeted: '#quoteoftheday happiness Is the outcome of accepting yourself not seeking approval of other people but loving who you are #liveforyou xxx'
It's not the first time Zayn has fallen for a fellow X Factor contestant.
Secret: But Rebecca, seen here performing on the tour, has been told to keep the relationship under wraps by bosses who are worried it could hurt her career
Heartthrobs: Having a girlfriend would damage Zayn's reputation with his female fans, as well as that of One Direction
As well as being romantically linked to Cher Lloyd, he was spotted kissing Belle Amie's Geneva Lane, who was also older than him.
While Zayn later dismissed the embrace as 'a friendly kiss', Geneva, 20, revealed in a Twitter conversation with a friend last year, 'We have a thing,' but wouldn't be pressed further.
Both One Direction and Rebecca have enjoyed huge success since their appearance on The X Factor.
While Rebecca is signed to Epic and is set to release her debut album in November, One Direction are with mentor Simon Cowell's SyCo label and have been recording tracks for their first record in Los Angeles
Read more: link
