Jahmene Douglas

Jahmene Douglas

'X Factor' runner-up Jahmene Douglas says Nicole Scherzinger is a "geek".

The 22-year-old singer described the former Pussycat Doll as "hilarious" and admitted since their time together on the show he has become close friends with the judge.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: "Nicole is a total goofball. She can be such a geek. People don't see that side of her on TV.

"I see the real her and she's hilarious. We'll go for Nandos and she'll get food all over her face.

"We can be ourselves around each other. We've sat down and both cried together. With her hair tied back and no make-up she's just beautiful."

The star - whose debut album 'Love Never Falls' is released along with his first single 'Titanium' tomorrow (21.07.13) - credited Nicole's backing him on the TV talent show with helping his career since.

He said: "Everything that real friends do she has done for me. I will never forget how she helped me overcome so much and achieve my dreams.

"Apart from my mother, she is the most amazing woman I know."