The British winter might be gloomy and wet, but it didn't dampen the spirits of Australian funnyman Rove McManus and his new love Tasma Walton during a recent holiday in the UK.

Onlookers say the pair were forced to wrap up against the cold, but as they visited famous tourist spots such as Stonehenge, they behaved like any other couple in love, holding hands and sharing intimate moments.

The couple were seen leaving an upmarket London hotel, where rooms are more than $1000 a night, complete with cameras and jackets.

One onlooker who recognised the celebrity couple says: 'The weather was a typical British January - damp and grim - but it didn't seem to bother them. They were obviously enjoying each other's company and determined to have a great time.'

Rove's manager Kevin Whyte only confirmed in October last year that the two had become a couple, with actress Tasma moving in to share Rove's Melbourne home while he was away working in the US.

The union is particularly poignant for comedian and television presenter Rove, who took five months off work after the death of his beloved wife Belinda Emmett in November 2006. She had lost her eight-year battle with breast cancer.

Rove, 34, and 33-year-old Tasma, both from Western Australia, had known each other for a decade and have mutual friends. They rekindled their friendship early last year, before it led to romance.

A friend of the couple confirms they are very happy. He says: 'They're seeing each other and spending a lot of time together. It's great to see Rove happy and moving on.'

Tasma is best known for playing Dash McKinley in Blue Heelers from 1995 to 1999, and in 1997 she won a Logie for Most Popular New Talent. She also starred in Little Oberon and The Postcard Bandit.

Now Rove seems happy to gently rebuild his life, which professionally never waned.

In 2006 he won Most Popular TV Presenter, and again in 2007, along with Most Popular Light Entertainment Program for Rove Live.

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