Candids – December 31 – NYE Party, N’Dulge with Hot Creations & Mark Wright

They sparked rumours of a romance after reports on Friday morning claimed they had been spotted kissing during a recent trip to Dubai. The Coronation street star and the former TOWIE cast member, both 25, were reportedly seen kissing in a nightclub and a restaurant in the city, while reports stated they were seen in numerous steamy clinches.

And they certainly looked cosy in photos during their outing to N’Dulge club on the last night of 2012. Michelle can be seen grinning widely as she puts her arm around the reality TV star, while Mark also placed his arms around the actress’ waist and shoulders. Looking smitten the pair stood close for pictures as they partied the night away together with pals. The discovery of the pictures comes after paper reports claimed the pair had hooked up during the trip.

According to The Sun, the pair enjoyed a meal at Japanese restaurant Nobu and shared a lingering smooch in front of onlookers. A source told the paper: ‘They met in the bar and had to wait quite a while for a table. At the end of the meal Mark kissed her for five minutes in public, a big no-no in Dubai. We were shocked they were at it for so long.’

And things seemed to heat up between the couple when Michelle attended a New Year’s Eve party at Dubai’s Atlantic Palm Hotel, which Mark was hosting. An onlooker told The Daily Mirror: ‘If they weren’t in deep conversation they were arm-in-arm and kissing. It’s great that Michelle seems so happy given all her relationship problems in the past few months.’ While the pair were on separate holidays in Dubai, they are said to have met up a number of times during their stay.

Michelle, who plays Tina McIntyre in the Manchester-based soap, called off her engagement to The Wanted heartthrob Max George in July 2012, with the singer later confirming the pair had split. The pair, who met in December 2010 before getting engaged the following June, initially cited conflicting schedules as the reason for the split, but Max was later accused of sexting his ex-girlfriend Bobbi Aney during his relationship with Michelle.

Mark has also been unlucky in love after calling off his engagement with his former TOWIE co-star Lauren Goodger in August 2011 amid claims she had cheated on him. While their engagement last just a few months, the pair had been in an on and off relationship for nine years. Mark has also been linked to Playboy model Kayla Collins, as well as having enjoyed flings with TOWIE stars Sam Faiers and Lucy Mecklenburgh.

A spokesperson for Michelle told MailOnline: ‘Michelle was on a private holiday.’ A spokesperson for Mark was unavailable for comment.