Is ‘Vampire Diaries’ Star Nina Dobrev Dating a New Co-Star (Who is Not Somerhalder)?

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For several months, there have been persistent rumors that everyone’s favorite “Vampire Diaries” real-life couple, Ian Somerhalder, 35, and Nina Dobrev, were getting back together. But after Dobrev posted pictures of her and a different costar, Michael Trevino, on Instagram, the gossip buzz has changed. Though the pictures are innocent enough, they come on the heels of rumored hot off-screen chemistry between Trevino, 29, and Dobrev, 25.

Now, anxious fans are wondering if there might be a new “Vampire Diaries” couple and how that might affect Somerhalder. So far, neither Dobrev nor Trevino have confirmed nor denied the rumors. But throwing shade on the whole Dobrev-Trevino coupling rumor may be the fact that Trevino has been in a long-term relationship with “Glee” actress Jenna Ushkowitz, 27.

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“Vampire Diaries” fans were already worried that Somerhalder could be quitting the show. In February, he tweeted about visiting Harvard, sparking speculation that the sexy star would be quitting the show. But a later tweet seemed to indicate that he has every intention of returning to the hit CW series. It read in part, “Take a break from Damon – explore the world – then do it all over again.” There was also some speculation that he might land the much coveted role of Christian Grey in the “50 Shades of Grey” movie.

Somerhalder and Dobrev dated for three years before breaking up in May of 2013. Some sources have blamed the ten-year age difference as the reason for the breakup. These sources claim that Somerhalder was ready to settle down, but that Dobrev still wanted “to experience other things.” The two have remained friends and even appeared on the 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards in January, where they joked about their relationship both on and off the screen.

Since Dobrev’s and Somerhalder’s breakup, the hot starlet has been linked with Liam Hemsworth — Miley Cyrus’ ex — as well as to Derek Hough, who also happens to be the brother of her best friend, Julianne.