NICOLE Scherzinger voted Thom Evans off The X Factor: Celebrity to save their romance.
Insiders said the singer, 41, couldnt bear to have their relationship mocked on the show.
She ditched his band Try Star, and his bandmates Levi Davis and Ben Foden, during last nights episode.
A source said: Nicole is really into Thom and she didnt want jokes being made about them.
She chose to get rid of his group Try Star because it would stop people scrutinising what she has with Tom. And she knew they were the weaker act.
Former Rugby player Thom, 34, didnt harbour any hard feelings against Nicole who stole the show in a barely-there pink dress.
The smitten pair were pictured partying together in London following the elimination on Saturday night.
HOAR On Sunday previously revealed how the pair had started dating after falling for one another on the show.
A source said: Thom is completely Nicoles type. And for his part, Thom was smitten early on hes always said Nicole is one of the most beautiful women in the world.
He fancied her long before meeting her on the show. He was initially a bit nervous about starting something up, and ruining his chances on the series, but they had great chemistry from the off.
And after weeks of texting, Thom finally plucked up the courage to ask her out, and took her for dinner.
The pair have since been seen on two nights out together.
When quizzed about their romance last week, Thom said on Loose Women: Who wouldnt want to date Nicole? Shes gorgeous.
A source said: Nicole is really into Thom and she didnt want jokes being made about them.
She chose to get rid of his group Try Star because it would stop people scrutinising what she has with Tom. And she knew they were the weaker act.
Former Rugby player Thom, 34, didnt harbour any hard feelings against Nicole who stole the show in a barely-there pink dress.
The smitten pair were pictured arriving at the same London night club, the burlesque themed Cirque Le Soir, within minutes of each other following the elimination on Saturday night.