Marco Pierre White Dating Nancy Dell'Olio

TV chef Marco Pierre White is dating Sven-Goran Eriksson's ex Nancy Dell'Olio, it was claimed today.

The pair are said to be good friends, and when Dell'Olio split from Sven for a second time, Pierre White -- whose second wife is divorcing him -- offered a shoulder to cry on.

She ran up huge phone bills phoning the explosive chef from her home in Italy and their friendship started simmering.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper, "Marco and Nancy initially went out for dinner nearly a year ago - but just as friends.

"At that time he was all over her like a cheap suit and Nancy was quite indifferent. But they met up recently and had a couple more dates - one of which ended in a passionate kiss.

"Marco has a weakness for strong, independent women and Nancy fits the bill.

"It is early days but it is fair to say they have a growing friendship."

The couple have not seen each other for the past two weeks as Marco is working in the US. But they have been sending each other text messages and phoning daily.