While JLS star Aston Merrygold is the man of millions of girls’ dreams, the heart-throb tells me he spent another Valentine's Day as a singleton. When I asked if he was with a special someone yesterday, he replied: "In a word, no. But I send my mum flowers if that counts."

Hmm, but what about ex-Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby? He was spied in Manchester only last month after a long lunch with the blonde beauty at Cicchetti in the city centre, fuelling rumours they’re an item. But he reckons that's not quite the case.

He laughs: "I’ve known Emma for a few years. she’s a lovely girl. But that was just a bit of lunch between two friends in Manchester. But hey, you never know. She’s recently become single again so maybe I should do something about it!"

The Diary reckons that would be a great idea! Not least because Aston says he wouldn’t mind moving to Manchester in the future.

He said: "Manchester is a firm favourite of mind – the nightlife, the restaurant, the shops. I don’t doubt for a minute that if I didn’t live in London it would definitely be Manchester."

Aston celebrated his 24th birthday at the weekend with some serious partying in the capital with his bandmates.

But it was straight back to work this week promoting the band’s upcoming charity single for the BBC's Sport Relief, Proud, which will be released on March 19.