Tian and Ye were seen walking hand in hand out of the airport. Passengers on the same flight told the reporter that the two young stars were on the plane from Hefei, Anhui Province, to Beijing.

Later the reporter got confirmation from an anonymous insider that Tian and Ye have been developing a close relationship for two months. They were returning from a fashion show in Hefei.

Ye Yiqian, who failed to make it to the third round of finals at last year's"Super Girl" competition, is popular for her sweet looks and voice. She has signed a singing contract with "Super Girl" judge Hei Nan's entertainment company.

The former Olympic champion was said to be attracted by Ye's gentle personality when they met two months ago.

Tian has frequently been mentioned with China's diving queen Guo Jingjing, also a two-time Olympic diving champion in 2000 and 2004. The two rose to popularity after the Athens Olympics. But in 2005 Tian was ejected from China's national diving team for violating State sport regulations and taking part in too many commercial activities.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)