It's the latest sign the gorgeous former Neighbours star is starting a whole new phase of her life. She's putting the heartbreak of the past behind her after splitting from her famous husband, Silverchair singer Daniel Johns, only four months ago.

'She's telling the world she has the confidence to do anything,' one friend confirms.

And Nat certainly looked as if she didn't have a care in the world, smiling and laughing with her companion as they strolled through the famous Portobello Market in London's trendy Notting Hill.

'She was hanging off his every word and they were clearly having a great time,' one observer says of the pair.

Dressed casually in black tights and a warm grey overcoat, Natalie even indulged her sweet tooth, splashing out on some delicious treats from the nearby Hummingbird Bakery, which is known for its American-style cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
When Nat, 33, and Daniel, 29, announced early this year they were separating due to the difficulties of a long-distance relationship and the constant pressure of their demanding careers, she headed back to London and threw herself headfirst into the dating scene.

She was soon linked to Little Britain star and renowned ladies' man David Walliams, who made no secret of his admiration
for the former model.

She also dated 28-year-old rocker Johnny Borrell, the singer and guitarist from British band Razorlight.

And Nat, who's most famous for her chart-topping single Torn, raised more than a few eyebrows when she was seen flirting with Sam Branson at a lavish party thrown for the 23-year-old
in London two months ago. Sam's 10 years younger than Nat and the son of Virgin mogul Richard Branson.

On the career front, things are also looking up for the singer. She has a starring role in the soon-to-be-released Australian film Elise, which is based on South Australian author Georgia Blain's acclaimed novel Closed for Winter.

It's not been anywhere near as easy a transition for Daniel, who hit back at false rumours that their marriage ended because of his sexuality, publicly declaring to his fans on a recent tour with Silverchair that he's not gay.

Heartbroken Daniel, who celebrated his 29th birthday last week, is reportedly devastated by the split with Nat and has been spending most of the time in his home town of Newcastle trying to come to terms with the painful divorce.