James Mcavoy has been romantically linked to his X-Men co-star Alexandra Shipp, just days after announcing his split from wife Anne-Marie Duff.

The couple, who wed in November 2006 and have a five-year-old son together, announced their unexpected break-up after nearly 10 years of marriage.

In a joint statement released on Friday (13May16), they said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we have come to the decision to divorce. We enter this next phase with continued friendship, love and respect for one another and the shared focus of caring for our son."

The couple met on the set of TV show Shameless, in which they played on-screen lovers Steve McBride and Fiona Gallagher. The 37-year-old star is is reportedly still living with Anne-Marie and the pair's relationship is amicable, the Daily Mail Online reports.

Despite their friendly split, the Scottish actor has now moved on after reportedly growing close to his 24-year-old co-star Alexandra, who plays Storm in the new movie X-Men: Apocalypse.

The pair are believed to have struck up a close friendship during filming but have kept things low key, according to British newspaper the Daily Mirror.

James and Alexandra were pictured at the premiere of their new film in London looking cosy, with the actor seen putting his hands around his co-star's waist as they signed autographs for fans.

A source told the newspaper: "It’s no great secret how they’ve got close. James has been quite open among the cast and crew that his marriage was over - and it seems he has struck up a friendship with Alex since then. It’s been the source of some gossip among those connected to the film - but they’ve kept things low key."

Representatives for James or Alexandra have yet to comment on the report.