London, Feb 8 : Music mogul Simon Cowell's relationship with his new love is said to be "getting serious", as they step out in public together for the first time.

Cowell, 50, was spotted enjoying a dinner date with make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, 36, and two friends at an upmarket Chinese restaurant on January 6.

"Simon is ready to let everyone know. Things between them are moving along very nicely indeed," the Mirror quoted a friend as saying.

"Their relationship has been conducted under a cloak of secrecy but the situation has now changed," the friend said.

The two had started dating last summer, after working together on a makeover for Susan Boyle, and their long-distance relationship had been carried out with "immense discretion".

"They looked cosy. It was clear there was real chemistry between them. He seemed smitten and she likewise," a fellow diner at the Mr Chow restaurant in London's Knightsbridge said.