As fans of X Factor Australia judge Ronan Keating will of course know, his marriage to Yvonne Keating ended after he was forced to admit to having had an affair with dancer Francine Cornell in 2009.

Despite trying to heal the wounds caused by the affair, Yvonne and Ronan officially announced that their marriage was over last year, and since then, it’s been revealed that Yvonne is now dating cameraman John Conroy.

And it seems that Ronan too may be about to embark on a new romance with a former X Factor producer, Storm Uechtritz.

The Daily Mirror reports today that Ronan has grown close to Storm over the past week, but they’ve had a friendship for some time.

Last night, an X Factor Australia insider said “things are going great” between Ronan and Storm, and added, “Storm is beautiful and vivacious and is a really good tonic for Ronan after the tough 18 months he’s had.”

The source continued, “They have loads in common – both are into keeping fit, music and good food and wine – and there is a real spark between them.

“For the first time in months Ronan has a real spring in his step and although they’re still in the early stages, both think this could be something long term.”

The paper adds, “Storm, who is based in Sydney, has revealed to friends she is considering moving to the UK to be nearer Ronan when he has completed his X Factor commitments.”

A friend of Storm’s said, “Those close to Storm have known for some time about her and Ronan, and everyone’s delighted for her.

“There is no animosity between Storm and her ex. They remain on good terms.”

Earlier this year, while speaking to the media about his split from Yvonne, Ronan said, “It’s been hell. I don’t think in any way I’m through it, but I am dealing with it.

“I love my wife and my family is everything to me. Right now, I’m trying to be the man I want to be.”

Ronan – who released solo album ‘Fires’ this year – regularly sees his and Yvonne’s three children, Jack, 13, Marie, 11 and Ali, six, and they apparently are aware of his fledgling romance with Storm.