Anna Friel headed straight home to her long-term partner when leaving the Theatre Royal last night, amidst rumours that she is becoming increasingly close to her Breakfast At Tiffany's co-star.

Time to go: Anna is usually keen to meet fans after the show but she headed straight home

Recent pictures emerged of 23-year-old Joseph Cross, who plays Holly Golightly's neighbour Fred Parsons, locking lips with Anna, 33, on a night out.

The photos can't have made very pleasant viewing for Anna's boyfriend David Thewlis, with whom she has a four-year-old daughter Gracie.

Opening the door to let her in last night, he looked miserable and is alleged to have angrily kicked out at one of the waiting photographers.

Last Wednesday, Anna and Joseph were seen together in London snuggling up to each other in The Wolesley before they got into a waiting car, with Joseph's face smeared in Miss Friel's trademark red lipstick.

Star role: Anna As Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany's

The following night, Anna, her partner and Joseph - who are all said to be good friends - shared a taxi as they left the Berkeley Square Christmas Ball.

But on Saturday night, Miss Friel and her co-star were once again snapped out alone together with the earlier cuddles turning into a lingering kiss as they shared a cigarette outside a central London wine bar.

One onlooker is quoted by The Sun as saying: "They have a great chemistry on stage and are obviously close friends off it. But I was still surprised when I saw Anna plant him with a kiss on the lips."

Friends of the 33-year-old actress added: "Anna is queen of touchy-feely - but they're just good friends."