The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright has confirmed that he has been spending time dating Kayla Collins but insists that he’s still young, free and single.

The 23 year old ladies man met the Playboy model when she was dating soccer ace Ashley Cole, but now that they have split, she’s spending a lot more time with Wright at various showbiz parties.

His latest conquest has left him feeling immensely proud and Mark told The Sun:

“Ashley Cole was an icon to me. I grew up wanting to be just like him. Now I’m dating his ex. You can’t argue with that.”

On the status of he and Kayla’s relationship, Mark added:

“It’s early days with Kayla.

“She’s a lovely girl and we’re having a lot of fun. We were friendly when she was going out with Ashley, who I’ve met and is a cool guy.

“But she’s not now, so we’ve been spending time together. I’m not starstruck by her – I’ve got more Twitter followers than her so, you know…

“But I’m officially single so I can do what I like. I’m not tied to anyone. When I’m single I’m a ladies man.

“I’m just doing what any 23-year-old would want to do.

“Girls are showing me a lot of attention. I’m a young man and you only live once so you’ve got to go for it.

“One day I’ll be an old man looking at loads of young lads getting attention and dreaming of the old days.

“At the end of the day, I’m going for the ride and enjoying myself. It’s a boy’s dream I’ve got here and I’m living it.”