They denied the rumours when they were first linked back in November last year but it looks like Ryan Phillippe and Abbie Cornish are on - or back on - again now.

The couple were first linked after meeting on the set of their film Stop Loss last year but denied any romantic involvement and particularly the rumours that their relationship had brought about the end of Ryan’s seven year marriage to Reese Witherspoon.

But now the couple have been spotted around Beverly Hills together several times over the last week. They were first spotted at a friend’s house party then snapped taking Ryan’s children, Ava and Deacon, Christmas shopping in Los Angeles.

A source close to the pair told the New York Daily News: “They are a real couple. [The relationship] has really grown. She’s spending time with his kids [from his marriage to Reese] - it’s not like she’s on the side. She’s part of the family.”

An onlooker at the shopping expedition told Us Weekly: “Ava seemed very comfortable with Abbie. Ava picked a wreath and Abbie put it around her head as a joke. They were both laughing.”

The friend of the couple added that Ryan is mad about Abbie and sees a future for them together: “Abbie is a free spirit. She indulges a side of Ryan that he’s kept under wraps for years.”

“Going out together and leaking a few photos is their discreet way of letting the public know it’s official. It’s not like you can send out a press release about these things.”