Are Rihanna and Drake fake dating? Body language specialist weighs in on MTV VMAs behaviour

Couple rekindled their on/off romance for a third time around.

They briefly dated in 2009 after the Chris Brown drama and were again romantically linked in 2014 – enjoying a string of romantic dates – but things have taken a rather serious turn for on/off lovers Rihanna and Drake this week.

After Too Good singer Drake professed his love for RiRi infront of a star-studded crowd at the 2016 MTV VMAs, watched by millions around the world, it appears that the duo have decided to give it another go – and they appear pretty confident about their chances. But are they being genuine? A body language specialist has exclusively spoken to IBTimes UK and has divulged some intriguing insights. (See below).

Entertainment Tonight reports that the frequent collaborators are now 'fully dating', after months of speculation. "No one really knows how long they have been 'official'. They just decided to let it become a thing instead of hiding it from everyone. They're happy," the source said.

On Sunday night (28 August) Drake made his feelings for the Kiss It Better singer known as he presented her with the Michael Vanguard award: "We love the music, which could change styles from album to album."

He added: "We love the videos, which change their artistic vision from year to year. But most of all, we love the woman who hasn't changed since day one. She's someone I've been in love with since I was 22-years-old. She's one of my best friends in the world. All my adult life, I've looked up to her even though she's younger than me."

Rihanna and Drake — Drake has previously surprised Rihanna at shows on her Anti World Tour Ian Gavan / getty

After posing for snaps with her family backstage, the pair allegedly piled on the PDA at an after party, where they were inseparable. An insider said: "They walked in together and never left each other's side all night. He was so attentive to her. His eyes were never off her. They were necking a lot. They would hug and he would kiss into her neck."

Judging by the pictures, Drake was one happy fella as he couldn't stop grinning from ear-to-ear as he snuggled up to his girlfriend. Though seeming happy, Rihanna was more circumspect about revealing her feelings in public.

The hot new music couple have since proven their love as Rihanna planted a kiss on Drake's lips on stage during the latter's Summer Sixteen concert in Florida on Wednesday (31 August). There's no denying that the pair have chemistry, but could the recent, hugely public declarations of adoration be anything to do with publicity, or even selling more records?

Celebrity body language specialist, Judi James, weighs in on the debate. Read her verdict below.

Body High: Rihanna & Drake – 3rd time around

At the VMAs, Drake's handover is romantic and flattering, causing Rihanna's elegant pose to fall to pieces. Getting coy she stands behind him disintegrating like a shy teen, rubbing her neck, fiddling, giggling and hopping from foot to foot as though keen to get the speech over. When Drake says he loves her the teenager response intensifies as she rolls her eyes and purses her lips. All the signals suggest embarrassment from her but total keenness from him and it is Drake leading the PDA when they walk across to kiss.

Rihanna's hug could easily be matey rather than romantic, but Drake gives it extra oomph by turning the pose and pressing his face into her neck. It is this add-on that makes the crowd go wild but Rihanna isn't smiling when she emerges, suggesting she might have wanted more time in terms of going public with their relationship.

It's Drake who looks keener in the other shots. He poses with the family as though he's a very strong part of that group but Rihanna stands slightly away and her expression is less open.

The moments at the party do show them as a couple but it's always easy to get excited by facial closeness that can often be prompted by the volume of the music. Everyone in a club has to whisper in everyone else's ear if they want to be heard. However not everyone adds on the facial cupping that Drake is doing. As Rihanna leans in to talk he cups her face with one hand in a way that is both intimate and loving.