JLS star Aston Merrygold's biggest pop star problem is trying to avoid the romantic advances of girls without making them cry.

The heartthrob singer gets a lot of attention from female fans and although he is always flattered when they want to date him he finds it really awkward trying to let them down gently.

He said: "I have made girls cry - but I didn't mean to. Sometimes friends will say, 'I really fancy you,' and you just have to say, 'I totally understand where you are coming from, but I just don't feel that way about you.'

"Then they try not to cry, and when someone tries not to cry, it comes out worse. That's the one thing I can't deal with. Everyone knows I can't deal with girls crying. Seriously, I can't take it. I'll do anything to stop them crying."

The group - which also features Marvin Humes, Jonathan 'JB' Gill and Oritse Williams - have recently been In America recording tracks for their third album, 'Juxebox'.

Although they have been enjoying working in the US, the boys insist they aren't turning their backs on the UK.

Oritse added to Top Of The Pops magazine: "The girls in America may have different accents, but they're equally hot. I love my British girls - they've put us in the position that we're in today and I'm grateful to them."