X Factor star Brendan: “Nicole and Thom have chemistry”

As rumours of a romance between X Factor: Celebrity judge Nicole Scherzinger and contestant Thom Evans swirl, co-star and ex-competitor Brendan Cole says they’re a perfect match

His double act with actor Jeremy Edwards may not have landed him a slot competing on the live shows of The X Factor: Celebrity – but that hasn’t stopped Brendan Cole being a regular fixture backstage on the show.

And as all eyes are on the reported new romance between judge Nicole Scherzinger, 41, and Try Star contestant Thom Evans, 34, Brendan, who was with them both in LA for the audition stage, spotted their sizzling chemistry early on.

ROMANCE & BABIES

In an exclusive chat with Closer at the rehearsals for his forthcoming stage show Show Man, Brendan, 43, says,

“It’s great to see the show has spawned a romance. I did notice Nicole and Thom had chemistry. They are two beautiful people, so why not? If they are both single and they like each other, then that’s great!

“I can see how two people could like each other on a show such as The X Factor. Thom’s in great shape and he’s a really good singer. The next thing you know, they’ll be having babies and calling them Simon and Louis.”

Despite being knocked out in the first show, former Strictly star Brendan is all praise for the revamped X Factor, which show boss Simon Cowell has confirmed will be returning for another series.

“It was incredible to be part of it, and given how long I was in Strictly for, it’s actually nice to be on the other side. When I got the call about taking part, I pretty much said ‘Yes’ straight away. We had a bit of a rough start and I don’t think anybody expected us to go through after our wobbly audition. My favourite act is actually the rugby boys, Try Star. I hope they, or Max and Harvey, will clinch it.”

ROUGH START

Brendan – who has six-year-old daughter Aurelia and son Dante, nearly two, with model wife Zoe Hobbs – was axed from Strictly in 2018. He admits he was surprised by Fiona Phillips’ recent comments about their time dancing together in 2005. She said, “Brendan used to get really cross with me. It wasn’t much fun.”

He says, “I’ve got nothing to do with Strictly now. I find it strange when

I hear celebrities have said I got cross with them, because I was one of the least scary people on Strictly.

I was always led by the celebrity and how hard they wanted to work. In fact, I was a pussy cat when it came to training my partners!”

By Olivia Buxton

● For more information about Brendan’s Show Man tour, and dates, visit Brendancolelive.com