Zayn and Niall

X Factor couple Rebecca Ferguson and Zayn Malik - from One Direction - have ended their relationship, according to the papers.

The Sunday Mirror reports that Rebecca, who finished runner-up to Matt Cardle in the 2010 series, and Zayn, who finished third as part of the band made the decision to part company for the sake of their careers.

Rebecca has reportedly told friends she is "completely gutted" that their romance is over.

However she added, "I'm happy I've decided to be single - my children, my family and my career are now my world."

A spokesman for Rebecca said, "It's sad but it just wasn't...