New love: Matt Cardle is rumoured to be dating X Factor stylist Grace Woodward
He's acquired millions of (mostly female) fans since he started on the X Factor.
But this morning, Matt Cardle has left his female fanbase heartbroken after it was revealed he is dating the show's stylist Grace Woodward.
The 27-year-old singer is said to have started a secret relationship with Britain's Next Top Model judge Woodward, and the pair have been spotted kissing and cuddling backstage.
And Woodward, 33, is so fond of Cardle that she has even given him a nickname... Matt Cuddles.
A production insider told the Daily Mirror: 'Matt is smitten. He tried to hide his feelings for a long time but he just feels so strongly about Grace. Anyone who met her would see why.
'She is stunning, not only on the outside but inside too. Matt and Grace have become very close and he finds it easy to relax around her. They constantly have their arms around each other.
'It's not like they can go out for dates but they have been caught cuddling and have shared a kiss or three. They are both single so they don't see any harm in this.
Going well: Grace gets a hug from her little 'Matt Cuddles' backstage at the X Factor
Getting ready: Matt gets styled by Grace ahead of one of the live shows last month
However, the news is unlikely to go down too well with Cardle's ex-girlfriend Lauren Cutmore, after it was claimed he split with the 24-year-old shortly after his X Factor audition so he would be single for the live stages of the show.
And Cutmore isn't the only one who will disapprove of the new relationship, as show boss Simon Cowell has previously banned contestants from dating each other.
The insider added to the Mirror: 'Simon warned the contestants about striking up relationships with fellow singers, he kind of figured it meant his staff too.
'He wants the best for all the contestants and for there to be no distractions
Smartening up: Grace has been encouraging Matt to drop his scruffy look and go for an edgier appearance, as he showed at the Harry Potter premiere last night
Woodward has been working hard to make Cardle 'sexier' for the live shows, encouraging him to leave his checked shirts behind and opt for an edgier look.
She even revealed recently she had stolen Cardle's now infamous battered baseball cap because she hated it so much.
She said: 'I actually stole Matt Cardle's hat and hid it! I thought he wouldn't notice, but he went out and bought even more replacements!'
An X Factor spokesperson did not confirm the relationship, instead saying: 'Matt is fond of Grace but I think they are just very good friends.'
Style guru: Grace with fellow Britain's Next Top Model judges Elle Macpherson, Charley Speed and Julien Macdonald
source:dailymail