With Cheryl avoiding the spotlight for the time being, the most coveted ‘nation’s sweetheart’ crown is very much up for grabs. In the past few months a host of talented young British stars have been enchanting the media. iFashion takes a look at the five most eligible young ladies who could step into Cheryl’s shoes.

Tulisa Contostavlos

One third of British hip hop group N Dubz, Tulisa was barely a household name until she was invited to join the newly-appointed X Factor judging panel.

Growing up on a council estate and learning the harsh realities of life from an early age, Tulisa turned her life around through hard work and the subsequent success with N Dubz.

The perfect candidate and with lots hoping she will take the same route as Cheryl into the nation’s hearts, we have high hopes for the star.

A little bit Eliza Doolittle (the character, not the singer) with her feisty tongue and attitude to match, watching Tulisa as the X Factor progresses could very well turn her into our Fair Lady.

Ellie Goulding & Stacey Solomon

Performing at the Royal Wedding reception earlier this year it couldn’t get much more grandiose for 24-year-old singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding. With a gentile nature, killer dress sense and angelic vocals, Ellie rose to fame after winning the 2010 Critics’ choice awards at the BRITs and has gone from strength to strength.

This year, she has been touring the US, releasing her hit single ‘Starry Eyed’ over there along with a polished new music video to accompany. An English rose with unique vocals and instant likability, it seems Ellie would be a welcome sweetheart.

Then we have the awkward, gawking and babbling Stacey Solomon. And at first she may not seem like an obvious choice. However After coming third in 2009′s X Factor, Stacey went on to win 2010′s I’m a Celebrity…Get me out of here! in which her kind hearted nature and sheer willpower gained her the majority of public votes.

Landing a prime time presenting gig, and becoming the new face of Iceland, Stacey is certainly, with ever steady determination, becoming an easily recognisable face of British television. With a new album on the way also, it seems we have yet to see the best of Stacey.

Adele & Kate Middleton

Arguably already the ‘nation’s sweetheart’ in her own right, the Duchess of Cambridge is certainly the British fashion world’s sweetheart. It seems no one will forget that McQueen dress she shimmied down the aisle in and Kate’s love affair with the British designer brand McQueen is far from over.

Earlier this week, she stepped out in yet another Sarah Burton creation- a military inspired blouse and pencil skirt. Looking every inch Duchess appropriate, Kate is swiftly flying the flag for British fashion and we couldn’t suggest a more suitable ambassador!

Adele, it seems, can do no wrong. Her second studio album, 21, stormed to the top of the charts becoming a triple platinum seller and the longest running No.1 album in 40 years.

With international fame, you would be forgiven for thinking the soulful lady would turn into a mega diva. As of yet, Adele shows no signs of an inflated ego, downplaying her success as the result of her initial Grammy wins in 2009.

This humble attitude, teamed with a down to earth demeanor is the reason so many people love Adele, not to mention her flawless vocals. A worthy contestant for the sweetheart crown.