What IS it about Nick?
 

Jade, Nikki and of course Harry all had/have affection for him, and I still don't quite get it.

Is it a protective motherly thing because he seems vunerable? Or something more cynical?

Even Harry I find it hard to believe actually fancies him, he just seems too young and wishy washy to be her type, maybe I'm overthinking it.

Simple answer.
Jade, Nikki and Harry all share 1 thing in common...
CAMERA TIME and the need to let viewers live vicariously through their courtships in the house.
So all 3 of those phonies chose the most shy, gullible follower and used him for a fake on screen relationship to get themselves airtime.

Outside the house? None of those 3 would waste time courting a guy (rich or poor) who spends the better part of his day picking his nose and wiping it in his hair.

:shrug:

It's the vulnerabilty, its a maternal thing. It's a bit like a 'type' some women really go for it. Some prefer more masculine guys.

His swimming pool and tennis court

No clue at all, he's truly odious.

Tripod apparently

That helps too I expect.

I didn't understand it for SO long, but I must admit, he is somewhat a guilty pleasure of mine. I really can't explain it.

He's easily manipulated? If a girl is lonely they just have to crawl all over him and he falls for it. They get their cuddle buddy for as long as they want and he is so submissive he'll agree with anything they say. He's rather pathetic and needs to grow up :/

I can just see him winning the prize fund and then blowing it on Harry's webcam shows. IF YOU LOVE ME YOU'D PAY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE NICK! RAAAGE

Cant stand the creep, so its beyond me.