Pinto admits she's dating Patel

Freida Pinto has declared her love for her 'Slumdog Millionaire' co-star Dev Patel after previously shooting down rumours of a real-life romance.

The pair played childhood sweethearts in the Oscar-winning movie, and their close friendship away from the cameras prompted rumours of a relationship.

They initially laughed off speculation their on-screen chemistry had developed behind closed doors - but now Pinto, 24, is happy to talk about boyfriend Patel, who she calls "a lovely boy".

She said: "The friendship blossomed after the film, it got even stronger. This is all new to us.”