Ellie Goulding in the Mahiki area at V Festival

Ellie Goulding in the Mahiki area at V Festival

Niall Horan is reportedly dating Ellie Goulding after the One Direction heartthrob and the 'Explosions' hitmaker were spotted in a roantic embrace.

Rumours that the pair have struck up a budding romance after they were spotted canoodling during Kings of Leon's performance at Virgin Media's V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex, on Sunday night (18.08.13).

Ellie Goulding called time on her relationship with Jeremy Irvine last month and she appeared to be giggling away as Niall threw his arms around her, while bodyguards protected the pair from fans attempting to take photos.

Niall Horan "I'll say one thing: Ellie Goulding - wow. She's absolutely amazing looking

The duo reportedly disappeared early as the band played their final track - 'Sex On Fire' to avoid getting caught up in the masses of fans, before heading off to end the night in the exclusive Mahiki area at the festival for some cocktails, according to the Daily Mirror newspaper.

The 19-year-old heartthrob previously admitted to having a crush on the 26-year-old singer after claiming that he and his bandmates - Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik - struggle to make time for a relationship because of their busy schedule.

The pair shared a mutual love-in on Twitter two months ago

He said: "I'll say one thing: Ellie Goulding - wow. She's absolutely amazing looking."

The pair shared a mutual love-in on Twitter two months ago when Niall complimented the 'Lights' hitmaker on her "beautiful voice".

He wrote previously: "Just listening to some @elliegoulding ! What a talent she is! Beautiful voice ! (sic)".

Eventually, Ellie spotted the comment and later replied: "I knew you loved me hahaha. (sic)".

Niall spent much of Saturday at the festival relaxing in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge VIP area where he was spotted scoffing pancakes - although the pop superstar didn't have any cash to pay for his sweet treat and had to borrow some money from a pal.