X-Factor runner-up Rhydian Roberts has found romance - with an older woman.

The 24-year-old virgin has revealed to Hello! magazine that he is dating Simon Cowell's makeup artist Julia Carta, who is 12 years his senior, reports the Daily Mail.

"I fancied her when we were making the show.

"She's half-Spanish and very beautiful, with dark hair and olive skin.

"I was also attracted to her because of her lovely personality. She was very supportive and gave me little tips and words of encouragement," he added.

"We're gradually getting to know one another properly and I'm very happy. She's 12 years older than me, but that's fine with us both."

Speaking about his faith, he said: "I don't want to keep barking on about being a virgin and a Christian at the age of 24. I will make love with the person I fall in love with.

"The implications of sleeping around when you're in the public eye could be dangerous - the next thing you might see is someone selling stories about you being rubbish in bed. It's just not worth it."

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