Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has lavished praise on her boyfriend Zayn Malik.

The singer has been dating the One Direction star for a number of months and it seems their connection is still going strong.

Speaking to Twist magazine, Edwards revealed that she can't bear to be away from Malik for long periods of time - something which touring obviously doesn't help. She said:

"Zayn is so lovely. You know things are good when you can't wait to see the other person. It's a sense of friendship. The main thing I looked for is if he's fun to be around, if I can have a laugh with him. When it's more of a friendship, it can blossom."

Malik meanwhile has been the subject of cheating rumours this year - but Edwards added that they don't pay much attention to tabloid gossip. She said:

"I try not to let what I read in the paper get to me. But I still read things and I think 'That didn't happen'. We laugh about things and refuse to let it get to us."