Antonio Banderas is reportedly growing close to Sharon Stone.

The 53-year-old actor - who split from wife Melanie Griffith earlier this month after 18 years of marriage - and his old friend are said to be taking a "very relaxed" approach to a any potential romance, but friends say there is a definite "spark" between them.

"Antonio and Sharon have been great friends for years. They have always flirted outrageously and now they're closer than ever. It's all very relaxed at the moment and they want to keep it quiet out of respect for Melanie, but there's no denying the spark is there," a source said.

Antonio and Sharon - whose romance with Martin Mica ended last year - are said to even be planning a holiday next month. "Antonio and Sharon are making plans for a getaway together in July. They've both been married twice before and are just enjoying having fun," the source continued.

Melanie - who has 17-year-old daughter Stella with her estranged spouse - is said to feel "weird" about the Shrek star's potential new romance, but thinks it is right for them to move on. "Mel feels weird about Sharon and Antonio's closeness, but knows they both needed to move on from the marriage. Relations have been at breaking point for some time and they both seem to have decided that they would be better off finding happiness elsewhere instead of living in misery together," the source said.