‘X Factor’ runner-up Rebecca Ferguson, 24, has finally spoken about her relationship with One Direction singer Zayn Malik, saying that she and the 18-year-old are “in love”.

Ferguson and Malik went public earlier this year with their relationship, having kept it quiet while touring together. Ferguson revealed to News of the World that Malik pursued her for months before she relented.

The six year age gap has brought some unwanted attention on the pair and Ferguson, in an interview with the paper, expressed her confusion and anger over the criticism.

“We're really in love... I want people to know that I'm happy, he's happy and we're in a loving, caring relationship,” she explained.

The star said she didn’t understand the hoopla around the age gap, saying: “I mean, Madonna does it and she gets a round of applause. It's like "Go on Madge!"”

Check out an interview with Rebecca and Cher Lloyd below: