Liam Gallagher and Nicole Appleton shared a hug and a kiss on the cheek over Christmas.

The couple - who are currently going through divorce proceedings after the former Oasis singer left her for his assistant Debbie Gwyther - had a friendly reunion on Boxing Day (26.12.13) when he came to take their son Gene, 12, and 14-year-old Lennon - his son with first wife Patsy Kensit - out for the day.

A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ''In the circumstances anyone would have expected a slanging match - it was anything but.

''Nicole looked thrilled to see Liam. She is still heartbroken but is putting on a brave face for Gene's sake.''

It is said the All Saints singer accepts a reunion is ''unlikely'', but she is happy 2014 is looking to be an improvement on a rough year.

An insider added: ''Liam and Nicole might be back on friendly terms but she knows this is unlikely to be the start of a reconciliation.

''But she will take comfort that things are looking up in 2014 ... Nicole reflected on Twitter about her terrible year but she's determined there will be light at the end of the tunnel.''