That would've been awkward! Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard nearly bump into his ex Elen Rivas before attending art exhibition with Holly Willoughby

They were grabbing a bite to eat before enjoying a cultured night at a private view of a new art exhibition.

But Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard escaped an awkward encounter with his ex Elen Rivas, who arrived at the Nobu Berkeley just after the couple left.

Joined for dinner by Anthony McPartlin and later Holly Willoughby for the arty evening, Christine and Frank no doubt released a sigh of relief once they realised who they luckily missed.

Near miss: Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard avoid an awkward encounter with his ex Elen Rivas at Nobu Berkeley

And there couldn't have been a bigger contrast between Brinkley and Rivas outfits, with the IRish presenter opting for a simple and sleek all-black outfit, while the

Spanish model amped up the sex in a purple jacket and matching shorts with her lacy bra on show.

While Elen settled in at the Japanese restaurant, Frank and his fiancée were joined by the Holly to attend the Dan Baldwin: Fragile private view at London's Gallery 8.And despite being very much the gooseberry of the outing, the 32-year old TV presenter didn't seem to have a care in the world as she grinned away alongside the loved-up pair.

Passing ships: Elen arrived in a revealing purple suit and shorts just after her ex and his fiancée left

Don't get along: Elen and Christine sadly are not on friendly terms, with the two sharing a number of fall outs of the years

Long engagement: Frank and Christine have been engaged for over two years

Where's Dec? Ant McPartlin joined Frank and Christine for dinner on Thursday night before the art exhibition

Holly - whose husband coincidentally bears the same name as the artist - wrapped up against the autumn chill in her favourite tailored camel coat, which she teamed with thick black tights, a striking red leopard print minidress and suede shoe boots.
Smiling broadly as she chatted to Christine and Frank, the This Morning presenter completed her night out look by toting an enviable grey leather Hermes Birkin handbag.
But Christine, 34, didn't seem to be feeling the chill as she headed out hand-in-hand with her footballer fiance, showing off her slim frame in a stylish tight-fitting black ensemble and nude patent heels.

Third wheel: Holly Willoughby didn't seem to mind playing the gooseberry as she crashed Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard's date night on Thursday

Three's a crowd? The trio seemed to be deep in conversation as they headed out to the Dan Baldwin: Fragile private view at London's Gallery 8

Plenty to smile about! Despite being very much the gooseberry of the outing, Holly didn't seem to have a care in the world as she grinned away alongside the loved-up pair

Meanwhile, Chelsea and England star Frank, 35, looked dapper in a slick navy blue blazer, which he teamed with a matching shirt, indigo jeans and tan accessories.
Christine and Frank have been dating since 2009, with the footballer popping the question during a holiday to Los Angeles almost two years ago.
And while details of their impending nuptials have always been vague, the couple are expected to tie the knot this year.

Sleek and sophisticated: Christine, 34, didn't seem to be feeling the chill as she headed out hand-in-hand with her footballer fiance, showing off her slim frame in a stylish tight-fitting black ensemble and nude patent heels

Autumn style: Holly wrapped up against the autumn chill in her favourite tailored camel coat, which she teamed with thick black tights, a striking red leopard print minidress and suede shoe boots

Cute couple: Christine and Frank have been dating since 2009, with the footballer popping the question during a holiday to Los Angeles almost two years ago

Speaking to ES Magazine late last month, Frank said of their relationship and wedding plans: 'She’s my best mate. Simple as that. Sounds a bit corny but it is like that. We know what we're going to do, and we're going to do it in our own time.'
He added in another interview: 'There are so many rumours about weddings getting postponed and all of this nonsense. We never had any wedding planned but we certainly are going to get married. But we would love to do it when no-one knows and we’re just done. That would be our style, I think.'

Bubbly all round: Ant McPartlin and his wife Lisa enjoyed a glass of champagne inside the event

Her two faves: Christine seemed to be splitting her time between fiance Frank and pal Holly at the event

Showbiz chums: The gang all posed together as they enjoyed a glass of bubbly at the bash

Talking art: Ant and Holly looked as though they were enjoying chatting to talented artist Dan Baldwin about his work