Colin Firth walks in the park with BBC journalist Joanna Gosling, 49

As handsome lawyer Mark Darcy in the Bridget Jones films, Colin Firth fell under the spell of a pretty blonde TV presenter with a rocky romantic story.

And the actor appeared to be following a similar storyline in real life when he was spotted strolling relaxed with news anchor Joanna Gosling last week.

The star, known for playing distant characters who have gradually lost their reserve, appeared to have ignored her recent romantic struggles on a stroll to soak up the winter sun in a West London park.

The 60-year-old star and the BBC presenter were seen chatting happily, smiling and laughing as they strolled through the park. Both wore hats, hooded jackets and jeans to protect themselves from the cold.

Neither of them took the opportunity yesterday to deny that they are more than good friends. Mr Firth’s reporter declined to comment and Ms Gosling did not respond to requests to speak.

Either way, supporting Ms Gosling in any capacity could not have come at a better time for Mr Firth.

Next month will mark a year since he and his ex-wife Livia Giuggioli, an Italian producer, announced their separation after 22 years of marriage.

Their announcement came four years after she had a secret affair during a temporary split in 2016. Her relationship is said to have left Mr. Firth “heartbroken.”

Ms. Gosling, 49, has lived her own tumultuous love life. She was married to spin doctor Sir Craig Oliver – former communications director of David Cameron and head of the official Remain campaign in the EU referendum – for 18 years before their separation in 2014.

The couple have three daughters together who live with Ms Gosling, while Sir Craig, 51, has a bachelor nearby.

Before switching to No 10, he was a reporter for the BBC, where he allegedly met Ms Gosling.

Sir Craig is currently dating Lucy Thomas, deputy director of the Britain Stronger In campaign. They met during the EU referendum campaign.

Following the news of their separation last December, Mr Firth and his ex-wife insisted that they would “remain united” in their love for their sons.

The actor stayed at the family’s £ 4million home in Chiswick, west London, while Ms Giuggioli has spent most of the time since then in Italy.

Their separation came after Ms Giuggioli, 50, admitted an affair with her childhood friend Marco Brancaccia.

The affair came to light when she later sued the 56-year-old journalist in Italy, after accusing her of harassing her after she returned with her husband.

A statement released on behalf of Mr Firth and his wife at the time said: ‘A few years ago Colin and Livia privately made the decision to go their separate ways. Meanwhile, Livia briefly got involved with former friend Mr. Brancaccia.

“The Firths have since reunited. Mr. Brancaccia subsequently waged a frightening campaign of harassment for several months, much of which is documented.

The reporter denied the allegations, telling The Times: ‘We were in a romantic relationship, she wanted to leave Colin for me. ”

Mr Firth and Ms Giuggioli met on the set of the 1996 BBC drama Nostromo before being married in Tuscany a year later. Ms. Giuggioli is also the co-founder of Eco-Age, a marketing company that focuses on the environment.

Mr. Firth is known for his roles in Pride And Prejudice, Love Actually and The King’s Speech, for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2011.

He also has a son with Meg Tilly, his co-star in the film Valmont.