Joe McElderry falls for Stacey

Sunday, 1 November 2009

Joe McElderry is the latest 'X Factor' contestant to fall for Stacey Solomon.

The 18-year-old singer is said to be smitten with his fellow finalist from the show and has been spending as much of his free time with the single mum as possible.

A friend told The People newspaper: "The two share a very close bond. They love spending time with each other and have a very special relationship.

"Nothing has happened so far, but the seeds of romance are definitely there."

Joe's attentions could lead to tension in the London house where the nine remaining finalists are living, as contestant Olly Murs is also reportedly smitten with Essex girl Stacey.

Earlier this week an 'X Factor' insider said: "Olly is absolutely head over heels about Stacey - you can see it in his eyes."

A friend of Stacey's thinks it is Joe ? who opened last nights (31.10.09) show with his rendition of Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing' - who she has eyes for, after they were spotted shopping for clothes together in London.

The friend said: "Stacey's definitely a favourite with the boys. Everyone loves her, but the flirting is nothing compared to her close friendship with Joe. That's the one to watch."

Meanwhile Joe's mentor on 'The X Factor', Cheryl Cole, was reportedly left in tears last week by her soccer star husband Ashley.

The panellist and singer ? who topped the UK singles chart with her debut solo song 'Fight For This Love' last Sunday (25.10.09) ? had to cancel a planned party at London's Mayfair hotel to celebrate her success when Ashley refused to attend.

A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "The Cole household is not a happy one at the moment.

"There's a lot of tension between them because Cheryl is now eclipsing Ashley's success.

He's acting like a spoilt child because she's getting all the attention."