KEANU Reeves is seen gazing adoringly at girlfriend Alexandra Grant in new photos as it emerged the pair have been secretly dating for nearly a YEAR.

The beardy Hollywood star looked smitten and with a smile on his face as he watched her pose for photographers on a red carpet in the telling snap.

Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant together in May this yearCredit: Splash News

The Matrix actor was seen looking over lovingly while she was photographedCredit: Splash News

It was revealed today that the pair have been dating for nearly a year – though they have been friends for much longer.

An insider told People that 55-year-old Keanu and 46-year-old artist Alexandra “started dating earlier this year but have wanted to keep it quiet”.

They worked together on Keanu’s 2011 book Ode To Happiness, which she did the illustrations for, before teaming up on his 2016 follow-up Shadows.

The source added: “Keanu wants to openly share his life with her. He is extremely happy and grateful to have Alex in his life.”

The pair talking to guests an event earlier this yearCredit: Splash News

Keanu and Alexandra ‘started dating earlier this year’Credit: Splash News

The pair were seen hand in hand at the weekendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

John Wick actor Keanu and Alexandra went public over his relationship when they appeared holding hands on a red carpet.

Matrix star Keanu – who has avoided public displays of affection during his 35-year-long career, clasped hands with the artist at an LA film gala on Saturday.

Keanu chose an elegant black suit with a black shirt and tie for the event while artist Alexandra looked sophisticated in a long navy blue beaded sleeveless gown.

Last month, the two were spotted enjoying dinner at Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.

They looked loved-up at LA’s LACMA Art + Film GalaCredit: Getty – Contributor

They arrived together and dined for three hours – just days before officially going public.

Keanu remained single after suffering heartache in the early noughties, when he and girlfriend Jennifer Syme suffered a stillbirth on Christmas Eve 2000 – just one month before their baby’s due date.

They ended up splitting due to the overwhelming grief, but looked to reconcile in 2001.

However, tragedy struck for a second time when Jennifer was killed in a car accident in April of that year at the age of 28.

Keanu was pallbearer at her funeral, where Jennifer was laid to rest beside their daughter.