By Emily Sheridan


Hot date: Gemma Collins and her childhood sweetheart Darren enjoy a romantic date in Aveley, Essex on Thursday night


She wears her heart on her sleeve and has openly declared her crushes on co-stars James 'Arg' Argent and Mick Norcross.

But it looks like The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins may have finally ended her romantic dry spell with a hot date.

The bubbly blonde, 30, was spotted on a romantic evening with her childhood sweetheart 'Darren' in Aveley, Essex on Thursday night.


After meeting at a tanning salon, car saleswoman Collins was thrilled when Darren presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

They then headed to a nearby pub The Old Ship for a cosy drink and dinner.

And it looks like the date was going well after they were spotted kissing in the car together before heading home.

Getting close: Gemma shares a kiss with Darren as they walk down Aveley High Street


Collins admitted this week she was dating someone, but insisted it was early days.

She told The Sun: 'I'm seeing a guy called Darren who was my childhood sweetheart.

'We're just seeing each other so it's nothing serious yet. We're having fun and that's what it is all about.

'He has got his own thing going on and his own business so he isn't interested in TV.'

I'm famished: Gemma and Darren headed into The Old Ship for a pub dinner


Collins has been single for several years after splitting from long-term boyfriend Dan.

In Series 2, she tried to win over Sugar Hut club owner Norcross and was upset when he briefly dated her friend Maria Fowler in Series 3.

After growing closer to Argent as they bonded over their weight-loss battles, Collins confessed to having a crush on him.

However, she assured the wedding singer and his girlfriend Lydia Bright that she would never act on her crush because she respected their relationship.


On-screen love interests: Collins has had unrequited crushes on James 'Arg' Argent (left) and Mick Norcross


source:dailymail