Rylan Clark is said to have known his rumoured new beau for over a decade after first meeting Declan Doyle thanks to The X Factor in 2012.
The Radio 2 DJ, 33, and Declan - ex-boyfriend of Geordie Shore star Nathan Henry - have been snapped snogging and looking cosy together over recent weeks, and it's believed the pair are ready to take their budding relationship to the next level.
It's been reported that the pair are set to meet each other's parents in the very near future, and sources close to the star claim Declan has really 'perked Rylan up' following his painful pending divorce from Dan Neal.
"Rylan and Declan have known each other for a decade, since they met at X Factor auditions," an insider has revealed to the MailOnline.
"Declan was trying out as a soloist having previously entered the show in a mixed gender band called NVS.
"They bonded instantly as they have so much in common and are both from Essex.
The source went on to state how they pair are "enjoying dating" and the next step in their blossoming romance is meeting the parents "as they feel it's the natural thing to do".
A spokesperson for Celebrity Ex on the Beach star Declan opened up about the couple's relationship earlier this week.
A spokesperson for the star told the Mirror: "Declan is currently single and keeping his options open.
"He is enjoying his time with Rylan and allowing things to progress naturally."
Rylan and Declan are said to have started dating in April, after being spotted dining at Roka in Canary Wharf following Declan's split from Geordie Shore star Nathan.
Earlier this week the pair flirted outside a restaurant in Marylebone, with Rylan, 33, holding a glass of red wine during a cigarette break.
A source told The Sun : "Rylan and Declan seemed to be getting very close outside the restaurant in Marylebone. You could definitely tell that there was a romantic spark.
"It looked as if they were on a date. They shared intimate kisses and cuddles outside the restaurant. The kisses looked very passionate and they left holding hands."
The Mirror has previously contacted Rylan's representatives for comment.
Since Rylan and Declan first auditioned for The X Factor over a decade ago both have seen their lives drastically change.
Since first bursting into the spotlight as an aspiring singer back in 2012, Rylan has gone on to navigate a career for himself as one of the country's best-loved TV presenters.
Over the years, the star has hosted Strictly's It Takes Two, Big Brother's Bit on the Side, This Morning, Supermarket Sweep, Ready Steady Cook and the BBC 's You Are What You Wear - as well as hosting a popular weekend show on BBC Radio 2.
Paying tribute to his iconic audition earlier this year, Rylan said he had 'no regrets' about appearing on the now-defunct ITV show and rising to fame.
Declan didn't progress past the auditions stages when he tried his luck on talent show, but appeared on screen once again when he appeared on Celebrity Ex on the Beach alongside ex Nathan.
The tattooed hunk also works as a barber and model and has previously supported X Factor success stories Little Mix and JLS on tour when still a member of band NVS.
Declan is also a doting dad to a 10-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
"I was only 21 when I had her but she made me grow up and see the world differently and I feel like having her was the best thing that ever happened to me," he told the Mirror earlier this year when discussing possibly becoming a father again with now-ex Nathan.
"Having someone to look after and knowing they're yours is the most beautiful thing and I think we’re at that stage where we’ve been talking about it.
"We’ve already got three dogs between us, and having children is something that would bring us even closer together."
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