The X Factor 2016: Are Emily Middlemas And Ryan Lawrie A Couple?

Some X Factor hopefuls share inspirational stories while others come bearing their sob stories, but there could be a love story already developing between two of this year’s contestants (a la 2014′s Stevi Ritchie and Chloe Jasmine).

Ryan Lawrie, 20, and Emily Middlemas, 17, shared some off-air photos together, causing fans of the show to now speculate and question the status of the pair’s relationship. Aww!

Copyright [ITV]

Both singers had their X Factor auditions air over the weekend; Ryan impressed judges with his rendition of The Vamps’ Cecelia during Saturday’s launch show, and returning contestant Emily sailed through with her version of Stevie Wonder’s Master Blaster in Sunday’s show.

Beyond their apparent lyrical abilities, it appears that the duo are well versed in the language of love as they both posed and cosied up together in a series of sweet snaps on Instagram.

Despite the fact that viewers have commented on the photos to ask the budding artists about their relationship, neither Emily nor Ryan has confirmed the news so they could simply be exchanging tips, supporting one another or writing the world’s most darling duet – we’re placing our bets on the latter.

Copyright [Instagram/emilymiddlemas_]

“The pair individually are up there as the favourites to go on and win the show,” a source told The Sun. “They didn’t go on the show looking for love but it seems to have blossomed.

“All the signs are looking really good for them to progress really well on the show.”

If it is revealed that Ryan and Emily are dating, the power couple might help to boost viewing figures, which have been undeniably disappointing so far this series.

Copyright [Instagram/emilymiddlemas_]

In fact, the ITV music competition attracted its lowest launch show viewing figures in ten years on Saturday night, amassing just 6.8million viewers on average, compared to last year’s 7.6m.

The X Factor airs on weekends on ITV.