Los Angeles, Jul 5 (IANS): Actress Eva Longoria has confirmed that she is dating Miami-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Ernesto Arguello.

The 38-year-old actress met Arguello, 34, when he was cast in "Ready For Love", the dating show she produced last year. And while they were friends first, Longoria has revealed their relationship recently turned romantic.

"I think that's why our relationship is so special - we truly started as friends," people.com quoted her as saying.

"I guess we have the press to thank for pushing us to see something we didn't see!," she added.

Even the couple's friends are excited that they have finally started dating.

A source said: "Eva and Ernesto are a perfect match. They both speak Spanish, have the same religion and the same cultural background."

"Their friendship and their similar philanthropic interests laid the foundation for their new romance. They're very much in love," the source added.