Melbourne, Dec 9 : With more public displays of affection, golden girl Stephanie Rice and ‘Home & Away’ star Lincoln Lewis have fuelled rumours that they are an item.

Reps for the pair, who was spotted being "very close" at a Sunshine Coast Christmas event this week, have again dismissed reports that Rice and Lewis are a couple.

However, according to Confidential, Lewis was desperate to front the annual Pelican Waters Christmas Carols at Caloundra after he heard the swimmer had signed on as MC.

"Because Stephanie was going to be here he actually agreed to be here at a very much reduced rate and at cost," the Daily Telegraph quoted Caloundra City School principal Karon Graham, as saying.

"He was very kind on offering to come to the school and do his bit for the Sunshine Coast community.

"That''s hearsay on my part that they''re a couple but he was very keen to get involved," Graham added.

The pair happily posed for photographs arm in arm and looked extremely relaxed together at an event that attracted more than 7000 people. (ANI)