Adrian Chiles and Catherine Tate seen cuddling in LA park

The pair have been friends for years, but it seems the relationship has now blossomed after pictures emerged of them laughing and hugging as they enjoyed the sunshine in Los Angeles.

At one point, former Daybreak presenter Chiles drew the Doctor Who actress – who was last year rumoured to be having a fling with Take That singer Jason Orange – for a long hug, while Tate rested her head on his chest as they lay on the grass. They were later spotted chatting in an intimate corner of a restaurant in Santa Monica.

A friend of the pair has said that they are "very happy together and love spending time with each other".

A witness who saw them in the park said: "We were surprised to see them being so intimate. They looked very much into each other and had that besotted look in their eyes."

Quinton-born West Bromwich Albion fan Chiles, wearing cargo shorts and a blue polo shirt, looked delighted with his partner's company as he sipped coffee and Tate, in a checked dress and sunglasses, played with her phone.

It is thought they may have been dating for months, having been spotted together on several occasions.

Speculation first arose about a possible spark between the pair at the end of 2011.

Chiles, who now presents ITV's football coverage, has been single since he split from his wife Jane Garvey, in 2008. Tate is famous for her comedy line: "Am I?bovvered, though?"

Neither Chiles nor Tate have yet commented on the reports.