Florence Pugh and Paul Mescal spark dating rumours as they party into the early hours following Baftas

Florence Pugh is said to have caught the eye of Normal People star Paul Mescal

NEWLY single Florence Pugh is said to have caught the eye of Normal People star Paul Mescal.

The pair made a beeline for each other following the Baftas ceremony at London’s Royal ­Festival Hall, insiders claim.

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Florence Pugh is said to have caught the eye of Normal People star Paul MescalCredit: The Mega Agency
Florence and Paul move in the same circles and have been mates for some time, an insider revealed

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Florence and Paul move in the same circles and have been mates for some time, an insider revealedCredit: Getty

Florence, 28, was seen party- ­hopping after the main do, heading to the NoMad Hotel for the Universal after-show bash.

She then flitted two miles away to the Chiltern Firehouse, where Paul was enjoying some of the hospitality laid on by Netflix.

She arrived at the event at around 1.30am and then spent the rest of the night rubbing shoulders with heart-throb Paul, also 28, as well as stars including Rosamund Pike, Sacha Baron Cohen and Lily James.

And it was not the first time Paul is said to have made eyes at Florence — the pair were spotted having dinner in New York in the US last week.

An insider said: “Florence and Paul move in the same circles and have been mates for some time.

“If their friendship moved into something more romantic no one would be surprised.”

The Sun revealed that Florence had split from her boyfriend, photographer Charlie Gooch, in October.

At about the same time it was reported Paul — previously in a relationship with singer Phoebe Bridgers — had signed up to a dating app.

At Netflix’s bash, Paul was seen hanging out with Andrew Scott, his co-star in film All of us Strangers.

The pair hugged for the cameras and were in great spirits, despite Paul losing out in the Best Supporting Actor category to Robert Downey Jr for his role in Oppenheimer.

At Netflix’s bash, Paul was seen hanging out with Andrew Scott, his co-star in film All of us Strangers

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At Netflix’s bash, Paul was seen hanging out with Andrew Scott, his co-star in film All of us StrangersCredit: Getty

Other stars at the bash included Bradley Cooper and Bafta Rising Star nominee Phoebe Dynevor, whose Coronation Street star mum Sally joined her as a guest.

Sally told The Sun: “I’m having a wonderful time people spotting. I am so proud of Phoebe.”

Ronan Keating left in stitches at Paul Mescal as he returns on air

Elsewhere, Barbie star Ryan Gosling was busy networking, even skipping the three-course meal.

An onlooker said: “Ryan wasn’t messing around and had two minders bringing people to him. He was in proper business mode and didn’t stop to eat or drink anything.”

Emily In Paris star Lily Collins was also working the room but appeared to leave Hugh Grant baffled as onlookers said: “He didn’t seem to have a clue who she was.”

BARBIE.. LET’S NOT GO PARTY

MARGOT Robbie chose an early night over partying until the early hours after losing out to Emma Stone in the Leading Actress category.

The Barbie star was photographed making a quick exit from the Baftas at the Royal Festival Hall not long after the ceremony had finished.

Margot Robbie chose an early night after losing out to Emma Stone in the Leading Actress category

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Margot Robbie chose an early night after losing out to Emma Stone in the Leading Actress categoryCredit: MagicmomentsUK

A source said Aussie Margot, 33, headed back to the posh Ham Yard Hotel in Central London and did not re-emerge.

But her husband, British film producer Tom Ackerley, also 33, was spied going into nearby private members’ club, Soho House.

An insider said: “Tom came for a drink at Soho House at the Searchlight after-party.

“But Margot seemed to want to get some shut eye and didn’t show up.

“It wasn’t a great night for her at the awards. And given her schedule has been so busy lately, it’s not surprising she wanted an early night.”

PERRY PLEDGE

BAFTA bosses confirmed they would be honouring Matthew Perry at the TV version of the Baftas in May having left him out of the In Memoriam section.

It came after viewers voiced their dismay that Friends actor Matthew, who died aged 54 in October, was overlooked.

As well as his role in the hit US sitcom, Matthew appeared in films including Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards and 17 Again.

Insiders said stars at the ceremony were also shocked, with one telling The Sun: “It felt like he’d been forgotten. People were really angry.”

After viewer complaints on social media, a Bafta statement said: “We confirm he will be honoured in our forthcoming Bafta television awards in May, and on the in memoriam section on our website.”

DUA’S NEW LOVE FLIX

DUA Lipa took sister Rina along as her Baftas date — but still ended the night with new man Callum Turner.

The singer, 28, has dated actor Callum, 34, for a month since splitting from Romain Gavras.

Dua Lipa ended the night with new man Callum Turner

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Dua Lipa ended the night with new man Callum TurnerCredit: BackGrid

They chose not to walk the red carpet but reunited at Netflix’s bash in West London.

A source said: “Dua was with Rina at the ceremony and met Callum at the afterparty.

“They want to keep the relationship low-key for now.”

’CHELLE IS BELLE OF BALL

MICHELLE Keegan was among the best dressed at the Baftas as she wowed in a glamorous ­Chanel-style outfit.

The ex-Corrie actress, 36, is planning a route to Hollywood following the success of her ­Netflix series, Fool Me Once, and was a guest at the ceremony.

She was praised by her Fool Me Once co-star Emmett J Scanlan at the event — and he revealed they have bonded over 1990s TV comedy Friends.

He said: “Michelle really deserves whatever success comes from Fool Me Once.

“Michelle and I are both complete Friends junkies. So the lion’s share of our communication is through Friends GIFs.”

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