Nicole: Romance a work in progress

Nicole Scherzinger has confirmed that she and boyfriend Lewis Hamilton are still going strong after referring to them as "kindred spirits".

The new X Factor judge and the Formula 1 star have found their romance in the spotlight again following claims that Lewis had taken some women back to his hotel room for a party.

But Nicole seems to be as smitten as ever, saying the couple are connected because they share a similar outlook, reported the Daily Mirror.

Nicole told Cosmopolitan magazine: "You have to love yourself first before you can expect it from someone else. And trust and communication are key. Me and Lewis are from similar upbringings, so we share a similar outlook.

"We're kindred spirits and hearts - that's what ultimately connects us."

However, the former Pussycat Doll admitted that their relationship is still a "work in progress".

She said: "My grandma taught me the person you want to be with isn't going to be Prince Charming - it's going to be the person you're going to be able to work on a relationship with.

"It's always a work in progress, like everything."

Nicole and Lewis rekindled their relationship earlier this year after a break due to work demands.