More the ex-factor than X Factor for star Shayne Ward who’s no closer to romance

Shayne Ward’s X Factor days are well in the past.

Recently, though, the reality television winner seems to be dealing with the ex factor.

The 30-year-old heart-throb has been linked to a slew of women since splitting from his long-term girlfriend, Faye McKeever, around a year ago.

And it was only a couple of weeks ago the tabloids were linking Shayne to Scottish bra tycoon Michelle Mone.

But easy-going Shayne has laughed off the speculation he’s used to the questions by now.

“I don’t really mind getting asked,” he laughed.

“People always seem to be interested, but that’s OK with me. It’s been a year since we split, and there’s been a bit of speculation since then.

“I’m a young single guy who goes out but if someone sees me talking to a girl when I’m out they might get the wrong impression, especially if there’s nothing in it.

“I’m single at the moment and there’s no dates. I’m a bit busy!”

Mancunian Shayne is poised to release his new album, Closer, on Monday.

The last few years for Shayne have been a rollercoaster. Following his X Factor win a decade ago, Shayne has seen remarkable success as well as disappointments.

His debut single, That’s My Goal, is the third fastest-selling in UK chart history, and the subsequent album was a platinum-seller.

In 2011, though, Shayne was left disillusioned when he was dropped by SyCo, Simon Cowell’s record label, after his fourth record underperformed.

With new record Closer, though, he sounds confident especially as he’s involved in songwriting for the first time.

“It’s been four years since my last album, and I’m looking forward to hearing what my fans think about it,” he said.

“This is the first time I’ve written my own songs and I was worried it was going to be a difficult process.

“But I sat down to write it with Mike Stock [of Stock, Aiken and Waterman] and everything seemed to just flow. Seven months after that we had an album.”

One song included on Closer might interest Shayne Ward fans a cover of Sugababes track About You Now.

In 2007, Ward and the Sugababes went head-to-head with single releases and the girl group ensured the solo star’s track, No U Hang Up, could only reach No 2.

“Mike asked me if I wanted to put a cover for the album, so I immediately started looking at classic songs,” added Shayne.

“He came to me with About You Now by The Sugababes, saying it was a great modern pop song. I just laughed.

“I asked if he knew the story, but he had no idea about the chart battle with The Sugababes.

“So it’s safe to say it wasn’t my first choice. If you ask me now I’m really happy with it it seems like a great idea!”

Music, though, isn’t Shayne’s only strength.

He starred in a stage production of musical Rock Of Ages and only last week the producers of Coronation Street asked him to audition for a part.

It was, reportedly, because they wanted a hunk on the programme to set female viewers’ hearts racing.

And there’s one woman in particular Shayne hopes will be watching if he gets the part.

“The audition was a couple of days ago,” he said nervously.

“I’ve no idea if it went well I hope it did. It was nice of them to ask if I wanted to come in for an audition. I was thrilled to do it. It was a bit nerve-racking but I think I did OK.

“We’ll see! If I do get it then my mum will be thrilled. She’s such a huge fan of Coronation Street she’d love to see her son pop up in the Rovers.”

And if he’s not pulling pints for the residents of Weatherfield then Shayne hopes to hit the road especially one leading north.

“Hopefully we can get a tour sorted out soon, I’ll be sitting down with my management and organising something we’ll do some smaller shows to start off with I think,” he explained.

“Scotland and the north of England is somewhere I really look forward to playing.

“The fans there are always passionate. The further north you go in the UK the nicer the people seem to be. I can’t wait.”