Harry Styles is dating Emily Atack.

The One Direction singer - who split from TV presenter Caroline Flack earlier this year - is said to have ''always'' had a crush on the 'Inbetweeners' beauty and friends believe it is his first serious relationship since he broke up with the 'Xtra Factor' host.

A source close to the 18-year-old hunk said: ''They're perfect for each other, they really are. They've been getting to know each other and keeping things quiet but they're close.

''Harry has always had a crush on her and hoped he could get it together with her and they eventually did.

''Everyone hopes they will become an item, but they're both being realistic. Harry's about to start a world tour and Emily's working non-stop.''

Emily's affections for Harry do not appear to be anything new either, as two years ago the 22-year-old blonde - who played Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the E4 comedy - posted a message on twitter suggesting she would be interested in the singer if he was a bit older.

She tweeted: ''Does Harry from One Direction HAVE to be 16?! Let's pretend he's 18 at least! Then there would only be One Direction he would be going... to the bedroom! (sic)''

The pair enjoyed a night out with each other when Harry recently returned from One Direction's Australian tour, and Emily is thinking about going to see him on One Direction's forthcoming three-month US tour, which starts on Thursday (24.05.12).

The friend added to the Sunday Mirror: ''Harry is spending so much time out of the country he finds it hard to settle down and make a long-term relationship work.

''But he really likes Emily. She's thinking about going to see Harry during the tour and they'll be speaking to each other all the time.''

Since splitting from Caroline, Harry has also been linked to singer Lily Halpern and photographer Sarah Louise Colivet.