Uma, Quentin getting serious

Quentin Tarantino and Uma Thurman. Picture: WireImage

Uma Thurman has long been Quentin Tarantino's muse but the stars seem to have taken their close friendship to the next level.

Rumours have been swirling for a month about a romance between the pair and now pictures have emerged of the actress and Kill Bill director locked in a passionate embrace in Beverly Hills earlier this week.

The snaps come less than two months after reports emerged Thurman had split with on-again, off-again fiance Arpad "Arki" Busson, with whom she has 22-month-old daughter.

Tarantino, 51, is said to be consoling Thurman, 44, in the wake of the split.

A source told Us Weekly their 20-year friendship had given way to stronger feelings. "They had a thing and got together again recently," the insider said. "He's loved her for years."

Another source said there had been an attraction between the pair since Thurman appeared in Tarantino's cult hit Pulp Fiction in 1994.

Talk has been rife that a third Kill Bill film is in the early stages of development, which would see the stars team up again.

Thurman was married to Ethan Hawke from 1998 to 2005. Tarantino has dated a number of high-profile celebrities.