Ross Kemp makes rare public appearance with partner Renee O'Brien at the Retail Trust London Ball

PUBLISHED: 18:35 EST, 28 January 2013 | UPDATED: 20:13 EST, 28 January 2013

Ross Kemp has transformed himself into quite the man of mystery in recent years and is hardly ever seen out and about.

However, the former soap star made a rare public appearance with his partner on Monday night at the Retail Trust London Ball.

Ross, 48, proudly stepped out with his lawyer partner Renee O'Brien at the glitzy event held at Grosvenor House, on Park Lane.

Familiar face: Ross Kemp made a rare public appearance with his partner Renee O'Brien at the Retail Trust London Ball in London

Suited and booted Kemp cut a dashing figure in his black suit and matching shirt and tie as his beautiful partner effortlessly complimented him.

Renee looked lovely and elegant in a fitted black dress which she teamed with a fluffy cropped cardigan and pointy stilettos.

A source at the party told Mail Online that the beautiful blonde was in fact introducing herself as Kemp's wife.

Suited and booted: Ross and his partner both wore all black outfits to the event held at Grosvenor House on Park Lane

The look of love: A source at the party said that Renee was introducing herself as Kemp's wife

Kemp was previously married to then Sun newspaper editor Rebekah Wade, but the couple divorced in 2009 after he reportedly admitted to adultery.

With his seven-year-marriage to Wade long over, it appears Kemp has moved on completely with his alleged new wife.

The Retail Trust London Ball is an annual event in aid of the charity for those working in, or retired from, the retail business.

His and hers: Jamie and Louise Redknapp made a very stylish couple at the event

While Jamie looked dapper in a three-piece black tuxedo, Louise was cute in a white suit

Retail Trust is the only charity that looks after the needs of all three million people working in the retail industry.

Amongst the many big names at the evening Jamie and Louise Redknapp added some glamour to proceedings in very stylish attire.

The former footballer was his usual dashing self in a three-piece black tuxedo while Louise was a vision in a white trouser suit.

Three kings: Sir Philip Green also attended the bash and was seen catching up with Ian Grabiner, Chief operating officer of Arcadia Group, and Managing Director of Topshop Mary Homer

Golden era: Retailer George Davies, who headed Next from its creation in the 1980s, was the life and soul of the party

Topshop boss Sir Philip Green also attended the bash and was seen catching up with Ian Grabiner, Chief operating officer of Arcadia Group, and Managing Director of Topshop Mary Homer.

Retailer George Davies, who headed Next from its creation in the 1980s, was the life and soul of the party as designers Henry Holland and Jeff Banks made low key appearances.

The creatives: Designers Henry Holland and Jeff Banks both looked sharp in suits