SHE fronts one of the world’s sexiest bands, while he’s a hot-headed Scottish rugby player.
And yesterday it was announced that Nicole Scherzinger and Thom Evans are engaged after four years of dating.
The stunning couple announced the news on their Instagram pages, sharing adorable snaps of the romantic beach proposal.
Nicole, 44, and Thom, 38, who previously dated model Kelly Brook, met on X Factor: Celebrity in 2019 when he was a contestant and she was a judge.
Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole appears to have finally found “happily ever after” after a string of high-profile romances and failed engagements.
Here we look back on their rocky road to romance – including an eight-year relationship with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and an alleged relationship with Mariah Carey’s ex.
An early romance
Nicole had just split from Nick Hexum when the Pussycat Dolls burst into the mainstream with their debut album PCD.
A year earlier she had split from the singer of the alternative rock band 311. He is said to have refused her to join the Black Eyed Peas.
They dated for four years and even got engaged, but split in 2004.
Nick is married to his wife Nikki and has three children.
The success of the Pussycat Dolls, along with their raunchy music videos and dance moves, made Nicole a sex symbol with millions of devoted fans.
One of them was 38-year-old Mercedes F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, who courted her after they met at the 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards in Munich.
During their eight-year romance, the pair have been spotted at glitzy awards shows and lavish holidays.
But things didn’t go smoothly as they reportedly broke up at least three times before finally breaking up in 2015.
During one of their brief breakups in 2013, Nicole cried on The X Factor, saying, “I’m not a robot and I wear my heart on my sleeve. At the end of the day I want to be a pro and take care of the competition, not myself.”
During her break that year, it was reported that Nicole briefly dated former One Direction star Harry Styles.
A source told The Sun at the time: “They had a romance at the end of The X Factor in 2013 and got back together early last year.”
“Harry is obviously very taken with Nicole, who is stunning and has always looked up to her.”
Lewis and Nicole reportedly split for good because he didn’t want to get married – but Lewis did hint that they had busy schedules and were away for “a crazy long time”.
At the time, there were rumors that Nicole was becoming close to 32-year-old pop star Ed Sheeran. He reportedly won her heart with orange zucchini and Pizza Express dates.
The gossip intensified when she posted a photo together backstage at one of his concerts in north London.
But Nicole dismissed the rumors, saying: “It’s been going on for so long and Ed and I are good friends so we decided to just have fun and fuck each other.”
Soccer Romance and “Bumping”
Months after splitting from Lewis, Nicole was seen in a heated clinch with Swiss soccer player and former Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami, 31.
The footage was shot in June 2015 in Mykonos, where the couple celebrated their 37th birthday.
Despite their split, Lewis posted a glowing message to her on Instagram, thanking her for the “time we had together.”
However, the romance between Nicole and Patjim was short-lived. They split just two months after their romance became public.
In 2014, American rapper and TV host Nick Cannon, who married famed pop legend Mariah Carey, claimed he left Nicole in bed.
When asked about famous women he’s slept with, Nick replied, “Christina Milian, Nicole Scherzinger, Selita Ebanks, and Kim Kardashian.”
Nicole remained dignified and never spoke about their alleged affair.
In early 2015, there were reports that Nicole had found love again with Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov (32).
The two have been photographed together on several occasions, including showering while on holiday in St Tropez and shopping.
Grigor once spoke about how Nicole was there for him after his devastating split from fellow tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, which had impacted his career.
But after three years of dating, the couple ended their relationship in early 2019 – reportedly their busy schedules and breakup contributed to the breakup.
“A healthy, strong foundation”
Nicole confirmed she was in a new relationship in January 2020 – this time with rugby player Thom Evans.
Thom was in a group on The X Factor: Celebrity alongside fellow rugby players Ben Foden and Levi Davis, who has since disappeared.
He previously admitted that trying Judge Nicole “wasn’t even in the consideration process” because “it would be unprofessional.”
Smitten Thom, whose rugby career ended aged 24 after suffering a serious neck injury, added: “She is so lovely and stunning in every way. I just thought, ‘She’s out of my league.'”
He previously told The Sun, “People always say, ‘If you know, you know,’ and I can honestly say I’ve never lived that moment.”
“But it was great for the first few days with Nicole and it’s been great ever since.”
Reflecting on her relationship with Thom in 2021, Nicole said, “I’ve definitely been through a lot of insecurities that I’ve struggled with and struggled through, and I’ve been through challenges and relationships — and what doesn’t kill.” .” You make yourself stronger. ”
She added: “Now I have a new perspective and things are leveling out. And I’m truly grateful that (in isolation) I’ve laid a healthy, strong and solid foundation for my relationship.”
The engaged couple – who spent a whopping 13 holidays abroad last year – are now planning their big day and judging by their Instagram snaps we wouldn’t rule out a beach wedding…