James Arthur wants to date reality TV star Lauren Pope.

The 2012 'X Factor' winner has reportedly been texting 'The Only Way Is Essex' beauty after being linked to a number of girls.

A source told Heat Magazine: ''They met last year when Lauren went to see James on 'The X Factor' and they really got on, so they ended up swapping numbers.

''They've been texting for ages and James really wants to take her out on a date.''

But 31-year-old Lauren is said to be concerned that 25-year-old James is too young for her.

The source added: ''She really fancies him and has done since she met him, but she's a bit worried about the age gap and what people might think about her going for a younger guy again.

''She was stung by dating Kirk Norcross and then had failed romances with Tom Pearce and Mario Falcone, so she's afraid that James' age means he'll be like the other younger 'TOWIE' guys.''

The 'You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You' singer has had plenty of success with the ladies.

He reportedly dated glamour girl Lacey Banghard and bedded a 17-year-old fan before failing to return her texts.