Kate Beckinsale has told the world she is definitely not dating David Walliams - and if she does ever get romantic with him she'll get a penis-shaped tattoo on her face.

Kate Beckinsale and David Walliams

Kate Beckinsale and David Walliams

Speculation was sparked when the 42-year-old actress and the 44-year-old funnyman were spotted having dinner in London restaurant Scott's, but she insists they have simply been friends for years and they've never seen each other naked.

In a witty putdown using the aubergine emoji, which is often used as a cheeky reference to a penis, Kate shared a photo of them having dinner and wrote: "This is my dear friend, @davidwalliams. If I ever see him naked I will immediately tattoo a [purple aubergine emoji] on my face for clarity.

"Until that appears, everyone can relax and know we are friends, as we have been for the last 2000 years.

"Ps The size of the tattoo is unlikely to be actual size. As far as I know. (sic)"

David saw the funny side of Kate's post and retweeted her message.

Both stars have intriguing romantic pasts. Kate split from her husband Len Wiseman in November 2015 and she was previously in a relationship with actor Michael Sheen for eight years until 2003. They have a 17-year-old daughter Lily together.

David was wed to Dutch model Lara Stone from May 2010 until September 2015 and they have a three-year-old son Alred together.