FINALLY going public! Tulisa and Fazer step out as a couple at last for Dappy's single launch

By Holly Thomas

Last updated at 11:18 AM on 26th September 2011

They have been deeply secretive about their relationship, but it seems Tulisa Contostavlos and her boyfriend Fazer are at last ready to go public.

The pair were inseparable as they stepped out to celebrate the launch of their N-Dubz bandmate Dappy's debut single, No Regrets.

Tulisa beamed as she posed for the cameras outside the Movida club near Oxford circus, while Fazer looked very protective of his 23-year-old girlfriend.

Going public: N-Dubz bandmates Tulisa Contostavlos and Fazer are notoriously private about their relationship, but stepped out together to celebrate Dappy's debut single launch

Though they have been dating privately for over a year, the couple reportedly made a pact never to discuss their relationship.

The X Factor judge wore a white bandage dress with gold stilettos for last night's event, the form-fitting ensemble showing off her toned figure.

The star accessorized with huge diamond ring and a gold clutch, adding a splash of colour with matching pink nails and lips.

Protective: Fazer kept close to his 23-year-old girlfriend all night

Long time no see: Though they have dated since May last year, the pair made a pact never to speak about it in public, maintaining a strict air of professionalism

Her boyfriend donned his usual black and trademark peaked cap, showing his loyalty with some N-Dubz bling.

Dappy's debut solo effort has reached number one within a week of hitting the charts, so the pair had every reason to feel proud.

Tulisa tweeted enthusiastically: 'So proud of @TheDappy NUMBER1 wooooooooiiiiiii'

Family first: Tulisa was clearly very proud of her cousin Dappy, whose debut solo effort No regrets has reached number one

Happy together: After over a year of silence Tulisa finally described how supportive Fazer is as a boyfriend in an interview last month

Considerately the star, who is Dappy's cousin, made it clear that he isn't the only one she cares about, also writing: 'Love my ndubletts ☺'

Clearly Tulisa is less self-conscious than she used to be.

Though she and Fazer have barely been apart since they formed N-Dubz with her cousin (and Fazer's best friend) Dappy 12 years ago, things only heated up between them relatively recently, and they started dating around May last year.

Mixing work and pleasure: After months of flirtation, things heated up for Tulisa and Fazer on tour

Setting an example? N-Dubz are due to split soon, and it is unlikely that Tulisa will encourage any amorous activity in her role as X Factor group mentor

A source at the time claimed that the pair had been sleeping together on and off for a while previously, but that things had intensified while on tour.

The couple were apparently worried about the potential reaction from fans, and feared that though they loved each other, things might not work out if the public response was negative.

They therefore maintained a strict air of professionalism during public appearances, which seems to have relaxed a little recently.

Loyal: Tulisa has been enjoying her role as an X Factor judge, but remembers to show her N-Dubz bandmates that she cares

Setting an example? N-Dubz are due to split soon, and it is unlikely that Tulisa will encourage any amorous activity in her role as X Factor group mentor

What a shiner! Fazer boasted some pretty impressive silver ring bling in addition to his N-Dubz necklace

Little more professional distance? One security guard got up close and personal with the X Factor judge

Endearingly however, Tulisa still appears to treat her boyfriend more like a pal than a lover at times, tweeting recently: '@ndubz shhh fazer u skinny rat u need 2 eat some food!lol'

There have been rumours that N-Duz are planning to split, which might explain the duo's change in attitude.

It's unlikely however that Tulisa will encourage similar amorous activity in her role as an X Factor judge.

Minor slip: Tulisa's white bandage dress slipped down to reveal a mismatching black at the end of the night

Put your hands in the air! Tulisa made sure that her gold clutch was safely out of the crowd's reach

Star treatment: Tulisa was escorted to her waiting car after the party by a burly bodyguard

Star treatment: A still fresh-looking Tulisa was escorted to her waiting car after the party by a burly bodyguard

The star has been put in charge of the groups category.

She said when she heard the news: ‘Guys you can’t even imagine how emotional I’m feeling right now, from now on, honestly, I’m here one-hundred percent for all of you from the bottom of my heart.’

Dappy's Movida party was also attended by Dionne Bromfield, Jade Ewen, Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk.