[Red Moon]

Rhydian is no Tom Jones

X Factor hot favourite Rhydian Roberts has never had a serious girlfriend and is chronically shy with women.

Owen Evans, who has known the mesmerising Welsh singer since childhood, revealed: "He doesn't go out much - and I don't remember him ever having a proper relationship. He used to impress the girls at our local karaoke with his Tom Jones renditions.

"They'd love him on stage - but when he came back to the bar he'd clam up completely.

"I wouldn't like to be the one to say if he's still a virgin. I can't say he's not. He's certainly never had a serious girlfriend - and he is also a committed Christian. But he's a gentleman who respects women and I guess he's waiting for the right person. He never drinks or smokes and is obsessed by his fitness."

Owen, 24, has known Rhyd since they were both 10. They went to Welsh public school Llandovery College together - where Rhydian was head boy - and stayed in touch when they went to different universities.

Owen recalled: "Even at 10 he was really well-spoken and intelligent. But he's never been embarrassed by that. He has always been his own man. He doesn't care what other people think and he will never change." Although Rhyd has turned in some spectacularly camp performances his best pal is adamant he is not gay. Owen insisted:

"He camps it up on stage because you have to. He loves performing and can be a drama queen.

"But that's Rhyd for you - he'll camp it up if necessary. There are other male performers who wouldn't have the confidence. When he did the version of Go West he was supercamp, but I know for sure he is not gay. No chance."

Owen believes Rhyd, who last night sang Somewhere, from West Side Story, will win the ITV1 show - but says he could also have been a international rugby player if an bad injury at 16 hadn't slowed him down.

"He would definitely have made it as a professional. His dream was to play for Wales - but now it is to sing before a big Wales game," he says

Source: Sunday Mirror