EX-EASTENDERS star Paul Nicholls has been romantically linked with Hollywood star Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The couple, both aged 23, are currently shooting a new movie"If Only", in the Lake District, where they have been spotted walking hand in hand together.

Bolton-born Paul, a former Smithills School student, and Jennifer, who starred in "I Know What You Did Last Summer", play lovers in the film set in Cumbria.

Paul was once voted TV's sexiest actor for his role as mentally disturbed Joe Wicks in Eastenders, but has been concentrating on his stage work since quitting police drama City Central in1999.