He took his time! Aston Merrygold dates ex Hollyoaks star Emma Rigby after wishing for a birthday kiss TWO years ago

By J J Anisiobi
Last updated at 8:42 AM on 9th January 2012

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Almost two years ago he stated that he fancied her and now it looks like Aston Merrygold has finally gotten his girl.
The back flipping member of JLS was spotted out on a lunch date with former Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby in Manchester on Friday afternoon.
It was when Aston was turning 22 in 2010 that he first made public he was lusting after Emma, 22, at his birthday party.

Longtime coming: Aston Merrygold and Emma Rigby were spotted on a lunch date on Friday in Manchester

However, in true Lothario style Aston didn't have just one girl on his birthday list- he had three.

 

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He told Now magazine at the time: 'I'd love birthday kisses from Emma Rigby, Frankie from The Saturdays and Justin Timberlake's protegee Esmee Denters.'
Now, nearly two years on and the 23-year-old singer seems to be closer than ever to making his wish come true.

Mamma-mia: The two stars had enjoyed an intimate meal at Cicchetti Italian Restaurant

The pair were seen getting close at Cicchetti Italian Restaurant in Manchester and enjoyed a romantic meal together.
The cute couple have been friends for a while but they looked far more cosy than normal and Emma was certainly dressed to impress.
She wore a long fur jacket and a pale pink ruffled neck blouse with a pair of black ankle boots.

A true gent: Aston leaves the restaurant to pick up his car while Emma waits inside

Aston was dressed as casually as he ever does and wore a very low crotch pair of jeans with a grey top and a black leather jacket.
Ever the gentleman, he was seen leaving the restaurant ahead of Emma and returned in his grey Ferrari to pick her up right outside the eatery.
The pint size star was looking rather sprightly considering the bad news he recently received about his knee.

Start your engines: Emma darted out of the restaurant and got into Aston's flashy Ferrari

Va va voom: The pop star looks closer than ever to getting making his birthday wish come true

Aston tore a ligament last week while on holiday in Dubai and was told by his doctor to ease off too much strenuous exercise.
He said on Twitter: 'Physio for me knee it is then! And with tour round the corner! Dooooh!! Good start 2012!! Lol Axx.'

She makes me wanna: The couple have been friends for a while but maybe more than that now