He is known as much for the notches on his bedpost as he is for his film work, while she is a fading model with an equally roving eye.

So perhaps it was only a matter of time before Jude Law and Kimberly Stewart would fall into each others arms.

The couple were snapped in passionate kissing in the VIP area of an Essex nightclub that is normally a favourite with WAGs and reality stars such as Jade Goody and Jodie Marsh.

Kiss: Jude Law and Kimberly Stewart were spotted together at 195 Nightclub in Epping, Essex

An onlooker told a newspaper: "We couldn't believe it when we saw Kimberly Stewart snogging the face off Jude Law. They were really going at it and barely came up for air.

"He's the first big name we have ever seen in there. So myself and my friends walked over and asked if we could have our photo taken with them. But they said no, turned back to face each other again then carried on kissing.

"Two bodyguards then came over to us and snatched the camera out of my friend's hand because they had seen us taking pictures."

While Mr Law's bouncers deleted the images but they were able to be retrieved from the memory disc.

The venue is an odd choice for the stars, who are normally seen in exclusive West End haunts such as private members clubs' The Groucho and Bungalow 8, however it is just a few miles from Rod Stewart's Epping Forest mansion and estate.

Mr Stewart is famously protective of his daughter. In 2006 he publicly lambasted Russell Brand at an awards ceremony, after he made a speech claiming to have slept with Kimberly.

Who are you texting Jude?: The actor arrives back at Heathrow today after his brief jaunt to Cannes

Mr Stewart stood up and asked: "You went with my daughter, did you? Russell, stand up. Did you behave yourself? You mustn't come up here and boast. I speak here as a father."

Miss Stewart has been linked to a number of men in the past few years including Calum Best, Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followhill and comedian Noel Fielding.

Mr Law, who returned from a whistlestop visit Cannes today where he promoted his documentary The Day After Peace, was slammed as a love rat after he was caught cheating on fiancee Sienna Miller with his children's nanny Daisy Wright.

He apologised to Miss Miller after the affair was made public and the pair attempted a reconciliation but finally split in 2006.

While the Closer actor has since been single, he has dated a string of women including Harper's Bazaar editor-at-large Kim Hersov.

He was married to fashion designer Sadie Frost for six years before divorcing in 2003, and the pair have three children Rafferty 11, sister Iris, 7, and brother Rudy, 5.