United Kingdom, July 15 -- Ariana Grande has been romantically linked to her ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez - 10 years after they split.

The 33-year-old pop megastar is said to have grown close to her 35-year-old former backing dancer - who she dated from 2015 to 2016 - following her break up from Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, but the pair are said to be "taking things very slowly".

A source told PEOPLE: "Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend.

"She's not held ill will against him [since their split]. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky."

Into You hitmaker Ariana is said to find Ricky "funny", and she is "happy" to have someone she "really trusts" back in her life.

The so...