One Direction's Zayn Malik denies 'X Factor' Cher Lloyd fling

Zayn Malik and the rest of One Direction have denied that any of the band dated Cher Lloyd during their time on The X Factor.

Asked if any of the group romanced their fellow finalist, each of the band rejected the suggestion.

Harry Styles told Heat: "I think the thing was that Cher was the same age as us, so naturally we got on."

When it was suggested that Malik had a fling with Lloyd, he replied: "No! We were just good friends, man."

Styles continued: "If anyone talks to anyone on The X Factor, they're immediately dating."

Louis Tomlinson then quipped: "Have you ever seen that film, Friends With Benefits?"



Malik started dating fellow X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson, but the couple split last month. On the cause of their break-up, Malik said: "That's personal, so I don't want to say."

Asked if the band get more attention from girls after their time on The X Factor, Styles said: "I think everyone becomes more attractive when they get famous."

Tomlinson added: "Can I say on behalf of Harry, he won't say it himself, but he is an incredible flirt, he does it very well. He knows when to do it and where."

> One Direction 'banned from dating girls'
> Cher Lloyd: "I'm not dating anyone"

Styles has previously said that he likes "a babe with talent" while Malik's celebrity crushes are Jessica Alba and Megan Fox.

Asked what he looked for in a girl, Styles said: "Someone who is really banterous and puts you down all the time. Someone who's cheeky."

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Watch the One Direction 'What Makes You Beautiful' music video below: