Sheridan Smith sparks engagement rumours as she posts loved up pic with new man

SHERIDAN Smith has sparked rumours she's taken her relationship to the next level as she posted a loved up snap with her new man.

The actress - who rose to fame on The Royle Family - posed alongside her fella as she told fans that "life begins at 40".

Sheridan, who celebrated her 40th birthday in June, gently held onto the face of her beau Alex Lawler, fixing a pout towards his cheek as they posed.

The pair cuddled up for the intimate selfie, which also saw the actress donning a bright diamond ring on her wedding finger.

Both appeared casual as Sheridan opted for minimal make-up and tied her blonde locks back into a messy up do, while Alex, 40, let his hair flow down.

Not wanting to give too much away, the actress didn't speculate as to the status of their relationship, simply writing: "Life begins at 40."

Fans immediately headed to the comments section of the Instagram post to gush over the couple and wish Sheridan "every happiness".

And many of them asked whether an "engagement" had already occured - as one woman directly asked Sheridan: "Engagement???"

Dozens shared heart emojis, while others celebrated how the actress - who starred in Gavin and Stacey - "looked happy and healthy".

Sheridan's celebrity friends chimed in to gush over the snap too, with TV presenter Claire Sweeney writing: "Go on!" alongside heart emojis.

While Years and Years actress Ruth Madeley and X Factor star Talia Dean also shared the love with a series of emojis.

It comes days after Sheridan revealed she is dating her ex-boyfriend from 20 years ago after splitting from fiancé Jamie Horn.

She shared a cosy video with actor Alex and wrote: "So pleased this fitty I dated back in the day (20 years ago) is back in my life!"

Sheridan went on to gush: "Life works in mysterious ways. Miss u Mr L."

Her fans were delighted to see her happy, with one writing that the reunion was "meant to be".

Another said: "The deepest of connections always last the longest of life’s journeys. So pleased you’re back in a good place."

It comes just weeks after Sheridan sparked romance rumours between the pair with a post complimenting her longtime friend's looks.

She wrote: "He doesn’t need a filter (unlike me). I love you Alex Lawler."

In July, The Sun exclusively revealed Sheridan and Jamie had gone their separate ways - a year after they welcomed their first son Billy.

Cilla actress Sheridan met former insurance broker Jamie, 31, on the dating app Tinder in 2018 and they soon got engaged.

In a joint statement given to The Sun on Sunday, the couple said: “It is with great sadness that we have decided to have some time apart.

“We both remain completely committed to raising our beautiful boy Billy together. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.”

The pair appeared in a one-off ITV documentary last year called Sheridan Smith: Becoming Mum which followed her pregnancy.

Dog-lover Sheridan, who recently presented Pooch Perfect on BBC One, is now focusing on upcoming work projects.

The multi award-winning star is one of the UK’s best-loved actresses.

She has appeared in a host of memorable shows as diverse as Mrs Biggs, Gavin and Stacey, The Royle Family, Benidorm and Jonathan Creek.

She also stars in the new Railway Children film due out next year.