Speculation is mounting about a potential romance between former The Project host Carrie Bickmore and her radio co-star Lee Elliot, after the pair were spotted enjoying an intimate dinner date in Melbourne.
The television personality, 43, and Elliot, 49, were photographed leaving Italian restaurant Osteria Ilaria in the city's CBD on Tuesday night, looking comfortable in each other's company as they departed separately.
From colleagues to something more?
Bickmore and Elliot currently work together on Carrie & Tommy, the Hit Network radio show she hosts with comedian Tommy Little. While they've maintained a professional relationship on air, Tuesday's dinner outing has set tongues wagging about whether their connection has deepened beyond the studio.
An onlooker described the pair as appearing "very cosy" during their meal, though they maintained discretion by leaving the venue separately around 9:30pm.
Timing raises eyebrows
The dinner date comes at a significant time for both celebrities, who have recently navigated relationship breakdowns. Bickmore separated from her long-term partner Chris Walker in late 2022 after eight years together, while Elliot parted ways with his wife of 13 years, Nadine, earlier this year.
Friends of both stars have remained tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship, with representatives declining to comment on the speculation.
Career crossroads
Bickmore made the surprising decision to leave The Project in November 2022 after 14 years with the Network Ten program, citing family reasons and a desire for change. Since her departure, she's focused on her radio career and parenting her three children.
Elliot, meanwhile, has balanced his radio work with television appearances and continues to be a familiar voice on Australian airwaves.
As rumours continue to swirl, fans of both stars are watching closely to see if this professional partnership might be blossoming into something more romantic.
