Eternal batchelor Hugh Grant gave the impression he was a gooseberry when he went on a Mediterranean cruise last month with former girlfriend Liz Hurley and her husband Arun Nayer.

But it transpires he was not completely alone  -  for accompanying him was brunette Catherine Fulmer, a 27-year-old American fashion designer, who has since been named as his new girlfriend. 

Is life now imitating art? As Grant famously got together with an American girl played by Andie MacDowell in his hit film Four Weddings And A Funeral after a romantic rollercoaster.

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Hugh Grant in St Tropez last week when he met up with ex-love Elizabeth Hurley, and alleged new girlfriend, American fashion designer Catherine Fulmer came too

The actor, who turns 48 next Tuesday, was seen flirting with Fulmer in New York's Hamptons this week, first on the beach and at a Taste of Evian Polo event later the same day. 

The Four Weddings star was seen handing Catherine and her friends shots of tequila, according to The Sun.

Sources say that Hugh may even attend her New York Fashion Week show next week.

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Hugh Grant seen in London earlier this year and Catherine Fulmer, right, at the Spring 2007 Olympus Fashion Week in New York

Hugh's love life has the been the subject of intense media interest since he split from Liz Hurley, 43, in 2000.

The actor dated her for 13 years and they have remained close friends. After Liz, he dated heiress Jemima Khan.

Grant's spokesman refused to confirm any romance with Fulmer.

He said: 'They just met at a party.'