The rumour mills are in full gear this week, after Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal were spotted getting close this weekend in New York. The pair have been long time friends, and were rumoured to have been dating in the past, but this new sighting has rekindled the speculative flame.

According to The New York Post (which is scanned in as the last pictures), witnesses claim the get-together was very date-like, with Gyllenhaal very much the nervous boy.

Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal have long denied rumors of romance, but these pictures capture them captivating each other on a sunny afternoon in the West Village.

"Brokeback Mountain" star Gyllenhaal waited for "V for Vendetta" actress Portman with a dozen tulips.

He sat, fidgeted and frequently checked the time (inset), but brightened up with a grin when he spotted his date. They hugged, kissed, then strolled along until arriving for an early dinner at The Spotted Pig on West 11th Street, according to eyewitnesses.

Inside, the Michelin-starred gastro-pub, Gyllenhaal must have surprised Portman with the bouquet. She left the restaurant smiling and holding them - and him.

"The guy looks like he's in love," said one witness to the wooing.

Now, here's the real truth. Whether they are truly dating, or not, there is no way that Jake Gyllenhaal doesn't want to be dating Natalie Portman. No one doesn't want to date Natalie Portman. She's Natalie Portman.