Rhydian reveals he's dating an older woman with the X Factor... Simon Cowell's make-up artist

While he came runner-up to Scots rival Leon Jackson amid claims that telephone problems had deprived him of victory, he clearly won over a new love.

The 24-year-old opera-singing Welshman fell for Julia, who is 12 years his senior, while competing in the ITV talent show last year.

Rhydian reveals: "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.

"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."

Rhydian, a teetotal and a devout Christian, says he plans to remain a virgin until he finds his true love.

He told Hello! magazine: "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.

"My faith is personal to me, and basically my belief is that we should respect one another. I'm faithful and monogamous and have eyes for nobody but Julia right now."

It appears Rhydian won Julia over with his old-fashioned charm.

He says: "If I open a door, I'm not being sexist, I'm being courteous. During a relationship I will bring a woman flowers. Ladies need to be treated with respect."

The star also confirmed reports he's in talks with Andrew Llloyd Webber about playing the lead in a Phantom of the Opera sequel.

He said: "He told me I was perfect for the role, which was fantastic to hear. There have been talks, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Andrew's halfway through writing the new show so it won't be ready until next year anyway.

"I know I could play the Phantom, though. From the moment Mum took me to see the show on my 18th birthday, it's been my dream."

Despite his runner-up status, Rhydian has enjoyed other successes since leaving the show - he was given his own £1million recording contract with Cowell's record company Sony BMG.