With the rumour mill currently awash with whispers of a split, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel put on a show of unity this weekend.

The couple stepped out in the Tribeca district of New York hand in hand, putting paid to recent reports that their relationship had come to an end.

Jessica, 28, looked great in a pair of denim shorts, a grey and red striped top and a grey floaty vest - matched with a pair of gold ballet slippers and a brown handbag.

Still together: Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake put paid to rumours they'd split as they stepped out hand in hand during a day out in New York

The couple appeared happy and content with each other as they took a walk on a lovely spring day in the Big Apple, before spending time playing basketball together at the Chelsea Piers.

Timberlake's actress girlfriend spent the previous day running for charity at the Revlon Run/Walk For Women event, alongside Jessica Alba and Halle Berry.

Last month it was again reported that the couple had split, with Timberlake's ex-girlfriend Cameron Diaz cited as the reason for the end of their relationship.

Movie role: It had been alleged that Jessica was unhappy that her boyfriend was working closely with his ex-girlfriend Cameron Diaz on new movie Bad Teacher

Justin is currently working with Diaz, 36, on a new feature film entitled Bad Teacher.

The two are working closely on the movie in which Miss Diaz plays a foul-mouthed, junior high teacher, played by Cameron Diaz, who, after being dumped by her sugar daddy, begins to woo a colleague - played by Timberlake.

It had been reported that Miss Biel was unhappy with her boyfriend, who dated Cameron Diaz for four years, working with his ex.

Charity: The actress took part in the 13th annual Revlon Run/Walk For Women in New York over the weekend

Celebrity competitors: Jessica Alba and Halle Berry were also on hand to lend their support to the charity event

However she recently gave the project, which is said to include a love scene between Diaz and Timberlake, her blessing.

She told E! Online: 'I haven't read the script, but I think it sounds fantastic. It sounds like it will be so funny. Obviously, I'm super excited for him.'

Jason Walsh, a close friend of the couple, revealed that Biel and Timberlake have a trusting relationship.

He said: 'There's confidence in the relationship and respect and honesty and communication. It's rare in this world - and especially in Hollywood - that you see that and it's kind of beautiful. I respect that a lot.'

Intimate: Justin Timberlake's character is set to be seduced by Cameron Diaz's foul-mouthed teacher

Just last week Biel and Timberlake were seen getting cosy in the VIP lounge at Drai's Hollywood, where music producer Timbaland was celebrating his birthday.

According to an eyewiteness: 'The two were whispering to each other as if they were the only two in the room, sipping cocktails and breaking their snuggle only to mingle with friends.

'After a few drinks, they were escorted upstairs to watch pal Timbaland perform. The rapper gave Timberlake some shout-outs from the stage, and the singer danced on the couch, throwing his hands in the air.

'Biel remained mellow throughout the night – and the two lovebirds snuck out early.'