Aston Merrygold of JLS is reportedly dating former Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby.

The boyband star was seen leaving Cicchetti Italian Restaurant in Manchester with the blonde actress this weekend - looking every inch the hot new couple.

Aston has never hidden his feelings for Emma, who played Hannah Ashworth in the Channel 4 soap, and attempted to woo her almost two years ago at his 22nd birthday party. It seems that pateince is a virtue however, with Emma accepting his date offer.

Pictures show the couple leaving the upmarket eatery with Aston leaving early before coming back to pick Emma up in his top of the range Ferrari.

The couple have some way to go before they catch up Aston's bandmate Marvin Humes and his new fiancee Rochelle Wiseman, who are looking to marry this year.