Ryan Dunn

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New romance? Kelly Brook was spotted embracing rugby player Thom Evans during her birthday celebrations in London last night

She certainly seems to have a type.

Kelly Brook was spotted looking very cosy with a handsome rugby player during her 31st birthday celebrations last night in London - and he just happens to be her ex Danny Cipriani's former teammate.

Kelly couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she spent the evening glue to 25-year-old Thom Evans' side during the night out in London.

Touchy feely: Thom was very hands-on as the pair returned to the May Fair Hotel at 3am after partying at Mahiki

Kelly was spotted warmly embracing the former Scottish international rugby player as she arrived for an evening of celebrations with friends.

Evans played for the London Wasps with Kelly's ex Danny Cipriani from 2004 to 2006.

But he was forced to quit the sport altogether after a near-fatal accident on the pitch in February this year left him with devastating injuries.

Rugby appeared to be the farthest thing from the handsome sportsman's mind last night though, as he helped Kelly toast her birthday with dinner at The Dorchester Hotel, followed by partying at Mahiki nightclub and then on to the May Fair Hotel at 3am for some early morning drinks.

Chivalrous: The 25-year-old was very protective of Kelly as they made their way through the crowds

As the group returned to the upmarket hotel to continue the revelry, Thom put a protective arm around her shoulders, and even appeared to be holding on to her breast as they made their way inside.

Kelly was dressed in a short black and grey animal print dress with caged stiletto heels and a blush-coloured clutch, but despite her open footwear and lack of coat, she did not seem to be feeling the chill despite the freezing temperatures.

The group were in a merry mood as they exited their cabs, laughing and cheering as they surrounded the birthday girl.

Danny who? The model and Thom, who played international rugby for Scotland, were happy to be pictured together

Deep in conversation: Miss Brooke looked engrossed as the pair chatted in a corner away from the rest of the group

Those toasting the birthday were Kelly's friends Preeya Kalidas, and comedian Jack Whitehall, whom she has been spotted out with on a number of occasions in recent weeks.

Formula 1 star Jenson Button was also at Mahiki earlier in the evening.

She was showered with attention and gifts throughout the evening, carrying a Selfridges bag with a note reading 'Darling Kelly, Happy Birthday. Lots of love, from Alex.'

She was also given a single yellow rose at one point during the evening, which she clutched and held to her nose to smell as she and Thom sat chatting at the May Fair.

Party people: Friends including Preeya Kalidas helped Kelly toast her 31st

The pair looked deep in conversation as they sat apart from the rest of the group, Kelly gazing intently at him as spoke to her.

Kelly split from rugby player Danny Cipriani in June after two years. He is now living in Australia playing for the Melbourne Rebels.

Evans, described as 'the pin-up boy of Scottish rugby', made headlines in February when a tackle by Lee Bryne during a game between Scotland and Wales at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium almost left him paralysed.

He has recovered well from the spinal injury he suffered but will never be strong enough to play professional rugby again.

Late night revellers: Comedian Jack Whitehall was also present at the celebrations, which lasted well into the morning

Great night out: The birthday girl was in high spirits

Thom's brother Max currently plays for the Scottish national team and the brothers are cousins of radio DJ Chris Evans.

Meanwhile a possible budding romance may not be the only reaosn behind Kelly's celebratory mood. Reports this week suggest that Kelly is in talks to star in a remake of Charlie's Angels in the US.

The Daily Mirror reported this week that the Piranha: 3D star is in talks to take on the role of one of the glamorous detectives in a revamp of the classic 1970's television series.

She has reportedly been approached by TV bosses Miles Millar and Al Gough, who worked with Kelly during her four episode stint on Superman series Smallville in 2001

Pin-up: The former international player has been dubbed the 'pin-up boy of Scottish rugby'

Devastating: The sportsman, who is a cousin of Chris Evans, is unable to play professional rugby after suffering a near-fatal neck injury from a tackle during a game in February

A source said: 'Al and Miles know Kelly from their time on Smallville and they think she is a star in the making.

'Rather than cast established stars, producers want to find less well-known actresses and turn them into household names - just like they did in the 1970s with Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith.

'Kelly fits the bill. She's gorgeous, feisty, athletic, a good actress and - most importantly - the producers think American viewers will love her.

Kelly stretched her acting prowess over the weekend as she participated in the Old Vic’s annual 24 Hours Celebrity Play Gala alongside Sienna Miller.