Nicole Scherzinger on ‘transformative’ heartbreak and finding love with Thom Evans

‘I’ve definitely been through my fair share of insecurities,’ said the singer

(Getty Images for InStyle)

Nicole Scherzinger has opened up about how heartbreak and insecurity have affected her, and about the "healthy, strong" relationship she has built with boyfriend Thom Evans.

Scherzinger met sportsman Evans, 35, when he appeared on X Factor: Celebrity in 2019 as part of a group of male rugby players.

The Pussycat Dolls singer, 42, previously had a high-profile on/off relationship with racing driver Lewis Hamilton for seven years between 2007 and 2015.

In an interview with The Times, Scherzinger said that she was a "different person" in the early days of the Pussycat Dolls' fame and that she's "evolved" over time.

Asked what was behind her transformation, she said: “It’s called life, it’s called loving, it’s called heartbreak.”

She added: "I’ve definitely been through my fair share of insecurities that I’ve fought through and battled, and I’ve gone through challenges and relationships — and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

"Now I have a new perspective and things balance out. And I’m really grateful to [in lockdown] build a healthy, strong, solid foundation to my relationship."

Evans isn't the first Brit that Scherzinger, who grew up in Kentucky, has dated. As well as former partner Lewis Hamilton, the singer was also rumoured to have once dated One Direction's Harry Styles.

Asked what she likes about Brits, the star said: "Maybe it’s the accent. Maybe it’s the charm. I’m just really grateful to have found a really strong partner."

The star has previously spoken about her struggle for self-acceptance, and her experience of mental illness.

Scherzinger struggled with bulimia and body dysmorphia until her early 30s, shortly before the Pussycat Dolls split.

Speaking to The Guardian, she said much of her time in the band was marred by her illness.  

She said: “A lot of that stole the joy of what I was doing, because I was living in a very dark world. I was either working or tormenting myself.”

“When I got The Pussycat Dolls, it really amplified that because it had so much to do with showing your body off,” Scherzinger added.

“But you should embrace and accept yourself more. Don’t be so hard on yourself, and love your curves.”

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