Heart-throb: Max Beesley in the BBC's Tom Jones

A spokeswoman for Scary Spice, who split with husband Jimmy Gulzar on New Year's Eve, confirmed: "All we know is that they were seen together on a flight by someone, and the rumours have suggested they could have gone to either the States or the Caribbean.

"Nobody here knows if Mel's seeing Max, or whether they have just gone out there together as mates.

"Max and Mel are friends, and we are unable to confirm whether there is anything more to it at present."

Close friends

The Sun newspaper reported that the pair were seen hugging and kissing on board a plane bound for the Indian Ocean paradise of the Seychelles.

The paper claims Beesley has been comforting 24-year-old Mel since her split.

Happier times: A pregnant Mel with husband Jimmy Gulzar

Rumours of a relationship between and 27-year-old Beesley surfaced last month when the pop star fled to Thailand with her 11-month-old daughter Phoenix Chi.

Heart-throb Beesley is best known for his bed-hopping starring role in the hit BBC costume drama Tom Jones.

Beesley, who has also been connected with Royle Family star Caroline Aherne and singer Mica Paris, was dating former Big Breakfast presenter Melanie Sykes until shortly before Mel B's own break-up.

The two first met when he played percussion on her solo album.