Richie Sambora has confirmed he has rekindled his romance with Denise Richards five years after they first became a couple.

The Bon Jovi star first dated the actress in 2006, shortly after his marriage to Heather Locklear collapsed and Richards separated from her ex-husband Charlie Sheen.

Rumors of a reconciliation have been rife in recent weeks, and the rocker has now admitted they are back together.

Sambora confirmed the news during an appearance at Alicia Keys' Keep a Child Alive Black Ball in New York City on Thursday night, telling New York Post gossip column Page Six, "Things are good. I'm really happy."

When asked whether Sheen will be annoyed by the reunion, he adds, "No. He's a friend of mine. I haven't talked to him. I'm sure it'll be fine."