The Vampire Diaries Star Ian Somerhalder 'Smitten' With Nikki Reed

New couple alert!

The Vampire Diaries actor Ian Somerhalder has moved onto another vampire, and apparently they are "smitten."

Twilight actress Nikki Reed and Ian are reportedly in a relationship after being friends for many years, but they are determined to take their romance slowly and enjoy each other's company.

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

Ian, 35, and Nikki have been close friends for awhile, but the two have taken their friendship to the next level. Ian couldn't seem to take his hands off the actress when they were walking around the Studio City Farmers Market together.

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

The duo - who has 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 recently said she supports Ian in all that he does and they remain close friends.

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 was 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.