Lydia Bright is dating a car mechanic.

Lydia Bright

Lydia Bright

The former 'The Only Way is Essex' star revealed a few weeks ago that she had started dating again but was determined to keep the lucky man's identity a secret because their romance wasn't "serious", but it looks like things are heating up between the pair as she uploaded a photo of her sharing a smooch with her beau over the weekend.

Although the 27-year-old beauty left fans guessing over who her new man is by hiding his face, The Sun Online has revealed she's romancing garage owner Lee Cronin.

Alongside the sweet shot, uploaded on her Instagram account, Lydia wrote: "Sunday funday with all my favourite people. Happy birthday my [love] (sic)."

And, although she's found love with someone else, Lydia is adamant she'll always have a lot of respect for her ex-boyfriend James 'Arg' Argent , who she dated on and off for 10 years, and she wants to remain good friends with him.

She said previously: "Even though it didn't work, we had some good times and I've learned a lot. I look back and think, 'We became famous together.'

"We're friends but not overly friendly. I can't hold on to anger. You're never going to move on with that, it's bad energy."

But fans won't get to see Lydia's blossoming romance on television as she recently announced her decision to leave the ITVBe show in order to follow other ventures.

She explained: "I'm taking a break but I'd never say never to a return. We will see how things go. I just want to focus now on other things. If I had more friends on the show and more time, I would never rule out going back."

Lime Pictures - the production company who produce the show - previously confirmed they would welcome Lydia back to the show in the future if she wanted to go back.