I'm young and single... you only live once!' X Factor heartthrob James Arthur embraces his ladies' man image as he kisses mystery brunette

He may have said he thought he was too ugly to be a star but James Arthur's fans certainly don't agree with him as he was spotted passionately kissing a pretty brunette outside Mahiki.

The 24-year-old, who said he spent many of his teenage years locked in his bedroom playing the guitar, may be making up for lost time as he romanced the fake-tanned fur-coated stunner on the pavement in central London, before moving in for a kiss.

Heartthrob James, who is hotly tipped to win this year's show, didn't even need to serenade the woman with his soft toned voice, as he merely grabbed a rose and shoved it in her hand.

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Who said romance was dead? James Arthur kisses university student Lizzie Hall on the pavement outside Mahiki

Moving in: Lizzie appeared keen for another smooch, while James looked less than excited

It must be a whirlwind for the soft-voiced youngster who admitted that his music has made him more confident.

And he was certainly riding on the coat tails of success as he was surrounded by attractive females outside the club, but he plumped for the slim brunette and after buying her a rose he was spotted getting into a waiting car, a far cry from the days when he used to wait for the bus.

The pretty young woman has now been identified to MailOnline as university student Lizzie Hall, from Halifax, West Yorkshire.

For James, who has taken to Twitter asking his fans to step and vote for him to make sure he gets into the final, it was a well earned night out after a long week rehearsing.

Embracing: James moved in for a kiss outside the fashionable London club, his new admirer didn't seem to mind

He looks made-up! James spotted with the long-haired mystery woman just before they left the club

There you go darling: James, complete with cigarette, buys a rose for his new friend

The look of love! James' lady glazes at her new pal as they leave in the same car

He wore a casual leather-sleeved jacket and was seen with a cigarette dangling from his mouth as he chatted to waiting crowds.

James' new friend wore a fur coat with scarlet shoes and a black short dress.

As the pair climbed in the waiting car, a blonde was less friendly and swore at the waiting crowds.

Protected: James clutches his woman close

Two weeks ago the singer's sister Charlotte, 17, said her brother suffered with low confidence and that being vote through to the next round of the series each week has boosted his self esteem.

She said: 'The family can see that James is so, so happy now. He never used to think he was attractive or that he looked like a rock star.

'But now he has lots of female fans, and he has grown in confidence so much, it is lovely to see.'

A little tired: James and his new friend are perhaps feeling a little woozy after the free bar

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But James has denied he is a womaniser, telling Heat he rarely goes out but when he does, he hits the town hard.

'I didn't commit any crime - I'm young and I'm single and you only live once. I've only been out once or twice since I've been here. I had a proper blow-out that night and got pretty drunk and probably went a bit too far.