By SARAH BULL

Reality dream team: Kirk Norcross, Leandro Penna, Katie Price and Lauren Pope enjoyed a double date at Thorpe Park


They are the stars whose profiles have shot up since starring in reality TV shows.

And it seems their small screen roles aren't the only things they have in common, as Katie Price and Leandro Penna proved when they went on a double date with The Only Way Is Essex's Lauren Pope and Kirk Norcross at Thorpe Park today.

The quartet caused quite a stir as they arrived at the popular tourist attraction for a thrill-filled day out, but appeared to be enjoying the attention - smiling for photographers and basking in the limelight.


Moral support: Kirk and Leandro held hands as the thrill of the ride took its toll on the manly pair


After striking up a friendship with DJ Lauren during a trip to now renowned nightclub Sugar Hut in Brentwood, Essex, earlier this year, Katie and Lauren have stayed in touch on Twitter ever since.

As well as enjoying a day out with friends, Katie was also accompanied by her children Junior and Princess - the group putting on a show of family unity following reports Katie's relationship with Argentinian model Leandro is on the rocks.

But the pair looked happier than ever as they strolled along hand-in-hand through the Surrey attraction.


Family day out: Katie ignored the balmy weather in a Cossack-style fur hat and matching boots as she arrived at Thorpe Park with boyfriend Leandro Penna and children Junior and Princess (not seen)


Rekindled love: Katie and Leandro were also joined by The Only Way Is Essex stars Lauren Pope and Kirk Norcross


However, Katie clearly hasn't unpacked her summer wardrobe yet and decided to ignore the balmy 15C temperature by arriving at the Surrey park wearing a Cossack-style fur hat and matching boots.

However, Katie and Leandro had some competition for the title of most loved-up couple from Lauren and Kirk, who recently rekindled their relationship after a brief split.

Viewers of hit ITV2 show TOWIE have been treated to scenes of the pair testing out the waters in their relationship again, despite the fact that Lauren's best friend Maria Fowler is more than a little disapproving of the pairing.


Having fun: Katie joined in with her children and showed off her basketball skills


The best of friends: Katie and Lauren met when Katie visited the Sugar Hut earlier this year and have stayed in touch ever since


But Lauren was seen standing by her man during Sunday night's episode, choosing to leave a pub quiz with Kirk after Maria had come over to talk to the couple and deemed the conversation 'awkward'.

The situation is made even more difficult by the fact that Lauren and Maria, who Kirk labelled 'just an extra' in the show, aren't just friends, they are also roomates.

It was an enjoyable day out for Lauren and Kirk this afternoon, however, and the 27-year-old star tweeted fans earlier today she was looking forward to the trip.

She tweeted: 'So happy its sunny cos I'm off to Thorpe Park with @kirk_official n pals...woohooooooooo xx'


Going again: Lauren sat out some of the more adventurous rides but Katie, Leandro and Kirk tried them all


Slowing it down: Katie and Leandro also enjoyed some slower rides with Junior and Princess as well as some other friends


As well as cuddling up in between rides, Lauren enjoyed chatting with new best friend Katie, as well as showing off her skills on the basketball court.

Katie appeared to be excited to be spending time with her children after a short trip to Buenos Aires with Leandro, and seemed unconcerned about reports today that her Sky Living reality show Katie is proving less than successful.

After attracting 752,000 for the first episode, viewing figures for the second show dropped to 600,000.


Loved up: Kirk and Lauren recently rekindled their relationship after a brief split


Going smoothly: The pair appeared to be having an enjoyable time at the park


A source told the Daily Mirror: 'The fear is that people are getting bored of following the finer details of Katie’s relationships and life.

'She has been a public spectacle for a decade but interest may finally be tailing off.'

However, a Sky Living spokeperson insisted they were happy with the programme's performance, saying: 'Sky Living is available ¬exclusively to pay TV homes so the measurement of success is very different.

'We’re thrilled with the continued success and performance of Katie on Sky Living. The series has a loyal fanbase as well as attracting new viewers.'


Look familiar? Katie and Leandro's day out was eerily similar to when she and estranged husband Alex Reid visited the park with her son Harvey in 2009


source: dailymail