It's always a surprise to discover a new celebrity couple, especially when they have managed to keep their romance under wraps for so long. Rumour has it that Olly Murs has been dating TV star Melanie Sykes for over a year, indulging in private dates within their own homes.

Olly Murs at The Voice UK photocallOlly Murs at The Voice UK photocall

The 33-year-old British popstar has been with his new girlfriend, a 47-year-old model and presenter, for more than 12 months after a mutual friend introduced the pair and they developed a mutual interest in fitness. 

'Mel loves a younger man and really fell for Olly when he got into shape late last year', a source told The Sun. 'They were initially introduced through a mutual friend. They started texting for ages and some of the messages ended up getting quite saucy. They were bonding over her fitness programme. He was a fan of her gym selfies and thought that she had an amazing body. Olly was getting in shape at the time and Mel really loved his new fit bod.'

But how have they managed to keep things quiet for so long? It seems the majority of their dates have taken place at each other's houses, though it's not entirely clear whether or not their romance is serious at the moment.

'They ended up meeting for a date and have had a whole series of secret dates at his house where she will sometimes stay overnight', the insider continued. 'They have both been determined for nobody to find out. It's been a bit off and on and there's a real physical attraction between them.'

Melanie was previously been married to a younger man named Jack Cockings who she met on Twitter. They married in 2013 but split the following year and were officially divorced by 2016. Her first husband was Daniel Caltagirone, who she married to 2001 but divorced in 2009. They have two children together; 15-year-old Roman and 13-year-old Valentino Luca.

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Olly was previously in a relationship with property manager Francesca Thomas until 2015.