Nicole Scherzinger is a "total goofball" says former The X Factor UK contestant Jahmene Douglas.

The shy singer was mentored by the sexy songstress on the last season of the hit TV talent show.

The pair got along famously on the show, and Douglas has gushed about the side of sultry Scherzinger that people don't see very often.

He told British newspaper The Daily Star: "Nicole is a total goofball. She can be such a geek. People don't see that side to her on TV. I see the real her and she's hilarious. We'll go for Nandos and she'll get food all over her face.

He added: "We can be ourselves around each other. We've sat down and both cried together. With her hair tied back and no make-up, she's just beautiful."

Douglas' debut album 'Love Never Fails' is set for release next week.

The record is a collection of covers and Douglas has already released the David Guetta track 'Titanium'.

Other songs due to feature on the album include Whitney Houston's 'The Greatest Love Of All', which features a cameo from former Pussycat Dolls star Scherzinger.