Nigel Lythgoe, 60, says he has grown to be wonderful friends with Priscilla Presley. When asked if their relationship was a romance, he said, "I'm not sure what's meant by a romance. I don't really know the meaning of that word." The UK reality show king and the daughter of The King keep in close touch. They met when American Idol was taping in Graceland. "We text each other. We phone. We have dinner. But we're not about to set up home. I've grown fond of her family, of Lisa Marie and her children," Lythgoe said. When asked if marriage was in his future, he replied: "I'd consider it. But I don't feel I could pin myself down. Bonnie [Lythgoe's estranged wife] leaving me took me by surprise. I've been upset because of it for a long time now." Illness and surgeries have chastened him. "Since I've been in the US, I've lost the back of my heart, 15ft of intestine and my marriage - and God, I miss my intestine." He added philosophically: "When new friends like Priscilla come into your life, it does help to heal the wounds. She's so intelligent. She's lived such a full life. We discuss charity, the world, politics, Elvis. And, although she's involved with Scientology, she's never forced that on me. Priscilla's the sweetest person you could ever hope to meet."