Two X Factor contestants are having a secret gay affair, it has been claimed.

Even the TV judges - who mentored them during the contest have no idea the pair have hooked up.

The two singers have been at pains to keep their romance hush hush.

Some of their pals on the ITV show do know they have got together behind the scenes but they have been sworn to secrecy.

A source said: "They became pals throughout boot camp and kept in touch during the judges' houses stages of the contest.



"But they only got together when they made it to the live shows.

"Their families and friends know they are an item but they've kept it a secret from viewers and that's the way they want it for now.

"Their fans have no idea they are a couple.

"Both get a lot of tweets from girls but they aren't interested.

"They are flattered by the attention but they are smitten with one another.

"It's so secret even the judges don't know about the romance.

"Not even Louis Walsh and he is the biggest gossip on the show."

The only public X Factor relationship which fans are aware of this year is the one between Emily Middlemas and Ryan Lowe.

And the only out gay contestant is Finnish singer Saara Aalto, who is happily engaged to her manager Meri.