Actor Ryan Gosling has played down rumors he's dating Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, insisting she is "a good friend."

The Notebook star was first linked to Lively in October, when the stars were spotted together at Disneyland in California and they sparked further speculation last week when they were seen getting close at the after-party for the New York premiere of Gosling's new movie Blue Valentine.

However, he is refusing to be drawn on the dating gossip - instead choosing to praise Lively for her onscreen talents. He tells People.com, "She's an incredible actress; she's a good friend."

Lively split from her boyfriend and Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley in September after three years together.

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