Debra Messing is reportedly dating her Smash co-star Will Chase.

The former Will and Grace actress - who announced last week she was splitting with her husband of 11 years Daniel Zelman - has begun spending time with the actor, who himself recently split with Broadway star Stephanie Gibson, and they have been together for six weeks.

A source told People.com: "It all happened very fast and it's a difficult situation."

Debra and Daniel - who she met on her first day at New York University in 1990 - split earlier this year but continue to live together for the sake of their seven-year-old son Roman.

Her representative said: "They privately separated earlier this year. The decision was mutual and they remain supportive of one another and committed to raising their son as a family."

A source added: "They have been separated the better part of the year but continue to live together in New York for Roman. It's very amicable."

Debra previously claimed their relationship worked because they grew up together and became closer as opposed to drifting apart.

She said: "I think we just have a real respect for each other as individuals, and I think we're lucky as we grew up together we grew closer instead of further away. Our goals and priorities and perspectives became more in line with each other than when we first met."