The 21-year-old was spotted kissing Mathew Firsht, who is 17 years her senior, outside the contestants' North London home last night after sneaking off for a date. They didn't attempt to hide their affection for each other, with Laura, who was dressed in a sheer vest and leggings, leaning in for a hug as they parted ways.
The pair, who have been dating for months, were exposed as a couple last week despite their best efforts to keep the relationship a secret.
X Factor bosses and Laura's fellow contestants were said to be 'shocked and angry' after details of their romance were revealed in the press.
A source said at the time: 'Laura has done her best to keep this a secret as she knows it looks a bit suspect. 'But some people have found out and have been bitching about it.'
The couple, who have been dating for months, were seen hugging and kissing outside the contestant's home Firsht has been involved with the X Factor for a number of years, organising audiences for the weekly live programme through his company Applause Store. He is said to have close links with the show's judges including Simon Cowell and is regularly seen chatting with them all backstage, according to reports.
An X Factor spokeswoman insisted Firsht had no influence on the program's outcome, telling The Sun: 'Laura’s personal relationship with Mathew has no bearing on her place in the competition.' Meanwhile, Dannii Minogue has tipped the jazz singer to win the competition, despite the fact she is in a rival category.
The 21-year-old, who stepped out in a sheer vest and leggings, has been tipped to win by rival judge Dannii Minogue the judge, who is mentoring the over-25s, said she believed Laura was the most talented of this year's contestants.
Her comments are unlikely to impress her own acts Daniel Evans, Spanish singer Ruth Lorenzo, and former drug addict Rachel Hylton. She told Closer magazine: 'I think it's all about Laura, who's in Cheryl's group. 'She's got a sensational voice and is the front-runner in my mind.'
