JLS singer Aston Merrygold has given up looking for a girlfriend, it was been reported.

The singleton said he has put relationships on the backburner for the time being as he looks to dedicate time to work and other endeavours.

He is reported to have told Top of the Pops magazine that he is still up for dating, however. He said:

"I've decided to give up on the girlfriend hunt, I'm not really too fussed. I've got lots of things to look forward to in the year, so I'm just going to take those opportunities and date."

Merrygold's bandmate Oritse Williams meanwhile denied speculation that he was a taken man. He said:

"Everyone's been speculating about me having a girlfriend. I go on lots of dates but I don't actually have a girlfriend."

Speaking about his new hairdo, Williams added: "It's still bronze. The decision behind it was just me wanting to evolve as an artist a little bit more. Like, will it assist in the evolution of Oritse Williams. I wanted to try it and worked. It definitely got me more female attention anyway."