X Factor contestant Lauren Platt has split from her boyfriend Liam Baker after being linked to One Direction singer Niall Horan. The couple, who had been dating for a year, reportedly decided to "take time out" as long distance is taking its toll on their relationship. In a now deleted tweet, the 17-year-old wrote: "Me and Liam are taking a break but it's nothing to do with the stories x".Lauren sparked rumours that she was more than just friends with One Direction star Niall after she confessed to having his phone number in October. She also shared a picture of herself backstage with the singer after One Direction performed on the show that same month.
Speaking to Now magazine, Lauren said: "I don't [have his number] any more. I met him through my best friend Eve, she's a photographer. After the story came out I thought it was best to delete it." The X Factor hopeful was also rumoured to have got close to fellow competitor Charlie George from Only The Young, although she said they were simply "great friends". "Oh, me and Charlie! We're great friends and that's something neither of us would deny… [It upsets me] because I do have a boyfriend. He's been super-good about it, thank God. I've no doubt he gets insecure, but he's a mature boy," she said.
Lauren Platt and boyfriend Liam Baker (pictured) are "taking a break" from their relationship
Now it seems that the rumours and long distance may have caused troubles in Lauren's relationship with 19-year-old Liam. A source said: "It was a mutual decision between Lauren and her boyfriend to take some time out of their relationship. "They haven't really had time to see much of each other since Lauren has been in the X Factor house, so they are going to see how things are once she has finished the show and been on the X Factor tour."
