Lara Bloom is the closest thing to Katie Melua

Lara is the closest thing to Katie

By Rav Singh

SINGER KATIE MELUA has formed a close relationship with a lesbian photographer, I can exclusively reveal.

Katie, 22, and Lara Bloom, 25, have been seeing each other continuously since meeting two months ago in LA—where Melua is masterminding a career assault on the US.

And the Nine Million Bicycles beauty (below)— whose hits include Closest Thing To Crazy—has even met Lara's parents Sheila and Trevor over dinner.

When asked about the relationship Lara told the News of the World: "I'm sorry—I can't say anything."

Last night a source revealed: "It's true that Katie and Lara are very close.

"Katie's very upfront and frank about herself and is completely comfortable about it, even though she's dated men in the past.

"She thinks of Lara very fondly and it's obvious they're supportive and loving toward one another—it's very sweet.

"One thing's for sure, people who thought Katie Melua was boring have got something to talk about now."

In an entry on a community website Lara describes herself as a part-time paparazzi photographer and claims she broke the story of MADONNA's pregnancy with son Rocco in 2000.

Lara, from Bushey, Herts, also admitted: "I came out in 2001 after getting tired of being the only gay in the village."

The source went on: "Katie's made no great effort to hide her feelings about Lara—they've obviously found something with each other."

Katie hasn't been linked to anyone since splitting from her ex in 2004.

Melua dated KOOKS singer LUKE PRITCHARD from 2001 and although there was talk about the possibility of marriage, things collapsed under the pressure of their careers.Despite her wealth and overnight success, Melua has always been at pains to distance herself from the world of celebrity.

I've got a feeling that that might all have to change soon, Katie.