Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are reportedly smitten with each other

A source told E! News: "[Nikki and Ian are] smitten with each other and love spending time together."

The pair first sparked rumours they were dating after they were spotted getting cosy at a farmer's market in Los Angeles last weekend, with Ian, 35, holding a protective arm around Nikki and nuzzling her neck.

The duo - who have been friends for a long time - used to go on double dates when they were with their previous partners, and Nikki is said to still be good friends with Ian's ex-girlfriend, Nina Dobrev.

Nina has recently said she supports Ian in all that he does and they remain close friends.

Meanwhile, Nikki, 26, was previously married to musician Paul McDonald, but they separated in March and filed for divorce in May.

At the time of their split, the former couple were working on recording an album together, 'I'm Not Falling', and the brunette beauty had previously claimed music was the secret to their happy marriage.