Two X-Factor giants, Leona Lewis and Liam Payne, seem to be flirting via the headlines, with Lewis stating her affection for the One Direction Star.

Talking to The Mirror, Leona admitted: “He is a really sweet, lovely guy. I’m a fan of One Direction. We have been friends for a year-and-a-half,” which has sparked rumours that the pair might be getting together. Payne didn’t do anything to dampen any reports, either, by saying: “I do have a crush on Leona, she's hot! I have met her. She's hot. I haven't eaten dinner with her though.” So, are the pair set for a romance made on the X-Factor stage? Well, Leona has confirmed the split between her and German dancer boyfriend due to her busy schedule, and Mr. Payne is single, but it looks like previous heartbreak might have put Leona Lewis, the ‘Bleeding Love’ singer off serious relationships for a while. “I’m quite a free spirit. I like having my own space and being able to do whatever I want without having anyone to answer to,” she explained. “I’ve had my heart broken so many times. It’s so awful. You need your friends, ice-cream and good movies.”

Perhaps she is alluding to her break up with Lou Al-Chamaa in 2010. The pair had been together for 7 years, before the ex-electrician became disconcerted with Leona’s star status, and things came to an end.