So, does that make it official? Scarlett Johansson and Sean Penn hold hand at White House party (and she wears his jacket)

Caught red-handed: Scarlett Johansson and Sean Penn leave the White House in the early hours holding hands

There's been a spate of denials about Scarlett Johansson's relationship with Sean Penn, ever since rumours first surfaced that they were more than just friends. 

So the Hollywood stars are going to have to come up with an ingenious explanation about these new photos. 

As they left a politically-charged event in Washington D.C. Scarlett, 26, and Sean, 50, stroll casually through the grounds of the president's home holding hands - the actress wrapped up in his suit jacket.

Look of love?: Scarlett smiles at her rumoured beau as they make their way out of the White House grounds

Scarlett by name: Actress unveiled her new crimson locks at the Washington Correspondents dinner held at the city's Hilton tonight