Ryan Phillippe's Cornish love

Dec 7, 2007, 13:30 GMT

10/01/2007 - Abbie Cornish - Elizabeth The Golden Age Los Angeles Premiere - Gibson Amphitheate, Universal City Walk - Universal City, CA, USA © Glenn Harris / PR Photos

Ryan Phillippe and Abbie Cornish are a "serious couple".

The 'Cruel Intentions' actor and the Australian actress, who met last year on the set of 'Stop Loss' while Ryan was still married to ex-wife Reese Witherspoon, are said to have grown so close Abbie is "part of the family".

A source told the New York Daily News newspaper: "They are a real couple. It has really grown. She's spending time with his kids - it's not like she's on the side. She's part of the family."

The couple were spotted Christmas shopping with Ryan's children - Ava, eight, and four-year-old Deacon - on Sunday (02.12.07) and the kids have already bonded with their father's new girlfriend.

A witness said: "Ava seemed very comfortable with Abbie. Ava picked a wreath, and Abbie put it around her head as a joke. They both were laughing."

The source added: "Going out together and leaking a few photos is their discreet way of letting the public know it's official. It's not like you can send out a press release about these things."

Ryan split from Reese in October 2006 amid allegations he had been having an affair with Abbie while still married.

A source said at the time: "Ryan admitted it was true and said, 'We need to just end this.' Reese literally had no choice.

"Ryan did not go out of his way to hide the fact that he was having a fling with Abbie. Besides the fact they were spotted making out in a sushi restaurant together, she was spotted many times leaving his loft apartment."

Reese and Ryan met at Reese's 21st birthday party and starred as lovers in cult teen movie 'Cruel Intentions'.

(C) BANG Media International