Dance star Gemma Atkinson and soccer’s Ryan Giggs insist they are Strictly mates – as they get into a hold in a car park.

Soap actress Gemma and former Man United dribbler Giggsy hugged and gave each other a peck on the cheek as they arrived at a restaurant for lunch.

Gemma used to date Ryan’s ex-United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo

The pair hugged and gave each other a peck on the cheek 

Gem flings an arm around Giggs as he kisses her

Gemma was all smiles to be United with recently-divorced Giggs

The pair – who have been close for years – both deny persistent rumours they are in a relationship.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Gemma, 33, used to date Ryan’s ex-United teammate and fellow pin-up Cristiano Ronaldo before he moved to Spanish club Real Madrid.

And Emmerdale’s Gemma was all smiles to be United with recently-divorced Giggs, 44, when they met at his restaurant, George.

They spent a couple of hours with a group of friends at the restaurant in Worsley, Manchester, 10 miles from Gemma’s birthplace Bury.

The actress, snapped leaving with a hoody covering her face, said she only has to be seen alongside a man for romance rumours to kιck off.

The pair – who have been close for years – both deny persistent rumours they are in a relationship 

Giggs headed out to lunch with the actress

She revealed she been pals with Ryan for 14 years and laughed off gossip.

When quizzed about her during a radio interview last year Ryan said: “Me and Gemma have been friends for a long time,” before joking: “And, you know, as if!”

Former Emmerdale star Gemma has also spoken out, saying: “Anyone I hang about with of the opposite sеx people sаy I’m going out with.

“Whenever we all go out together as friends people sаy we’re in a relationship.”