'X Factor' USA's Nicole Scherzinger, Steve Jones are "inseparable"

Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones have become "inseparable", it has been reported.

The X Factor USA judge, who recently announced her split from racing driver Lewis Hamilton after four years together, allegedly needs to get permission from boss Simon Cowell before pursuing a relationship with the reality TV show's host.

A source told 3am: "The nerves and the stress of the first few weeks definitely brought them closer together. Steve's now got his own apartment, which Nicole's been over to, and they seem to be virtually inseparable at the moment.

"They can't go public until they get the okay from Simon. There has been talk of Steve getting a high-profile girlfriend as publicity for the show. It'll be great for ratings."

Jones apparently provided Scherzinger with a "shoulder to cry on" when she was in "turmoil" about the end of her relationship with Hamilton. One friend said: "They have become close and have met up outside the studio. He listens to her and makes her laugh."

An X Factor USA insider previously added that their flirting is "all very innocent" but suggested that there is an "unmistakable chemistry" between the pair.

Watch Nicole Scherzinger make her elimination decision on last week's X Factor USA below: