Rebecca Ferguson says her ex-boyfriend Zayn Malik "deserves happiness".

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson

The 30-year-old 'X Factor' runner-up dated the former One Direction star for four months in 2011 and while the relationship ended badly, the 'Bones' hitmaker looks back on their time together in a "positive" light.

Zayn, 23, went on to be engaged to Little Mix's Perrie Edwards, but he dumped her via text message following four years of dating last summer.

Now he's dating fashion model Gigi Hadid, 21, and Rebecca is thrilled for him as she thinks she is both a "lovely" and "beautiful" person.

Asked if she is on good terms with the pop hunk, Rebecca exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "Yeah I think it was so many years ago now. But I've always wished him well.

"I might have had a moment the week after I got interviewed, I was probably ranting like any normal girl.

"But I look back and it was a fairly positive time in my life.

"I really wish him well. He's a good person and he deserves happiness. I am glad to see he has met a lovely girlfriend.

"She is beautiful. I am just a bit of a hippy, I like love and I like people to be happy."

As for her own love life, Rebecca - who three children from two different relationships - has said she's been in touch with a few people, but doesn't have time to date at the moment with the promotion of her forthcoming LP 'Superwoman' and a tour looming.

She said: "I am in two minds. It's funny how people have popped up lately. I am in two minds whether to date or not.

"I don't know whether it is the right time with promo.

"It can be a bit distracting and I am in love with love and the idea of being in love. I have to be careful.

I am in love with love. I've got the tour as well, where would I fit a man in?"

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