Katie Price has denied reports she is dating cage fighter (and ex-Hollyoaks actor) Alex Reid, but there is no doubt the pair have spent a lot of time together in recent days.

Katie explained Alex’s attendance at her recent London book launch by saying he was acting as her bodyguard. The pair were also spotted at several Manchester bars over the weekend and at a chippy at 5am, the same night Alex was photographed accompanying Katie back to her room at Liverpool’s Malmaison Hotel.

When asked if the boxer was her security guard, at the Liverpool launch of her  novel earlier today, Katie said: "Yes, that’s right" in a fit of giggles. She also earlier admitted to The People that they are close friends: "Alex has been a huge support for me recently. I have known him a long time but he’s a good friend now. I’m having lots of fun at the moment, which I think I deserve after everything I have been through lately."

Photos: Katie since the split

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