Lucy Hale has sparked engagement rumours after she was spotted wearing a ring on her left hand during a recent coffee date with Phillip Lopez in Los Angeles

Dressed in loose-fitting denim pants, a grey hoodie layered under a blue denim jacket and black sneakers, she opted for a relaxed yet polished look.

She completed the ensemble with mini earrings, stylish sunglasses and a simple updo.

However, it was a silver band on her ring finger that caught fans' attention.

Lucy was joined by visual artist Phillip Lopez, with the pair appearing comfortable and affectionate throughout the outing.

At one point, he draped his arm over her shoulders as they ordered drinks inside the cafe.

Later, they were seen holding hands as they strolled to their next destination, further fuelling speculation about the nature of their relationship.

It is not publicly known when the pair first met, and neither has commented on the rumours.

Lucy was previously linked to reality TV personality Harry Jowsey last year, but she has largely kept her romantic life out of the spotlight in recent years.

The sighting comes at a meaningful time in Lucy's personal journey.

Last month, she marked four years of sobriety, reflecting candidly on what she described as her "rock bottom".

In an emotional Instagram post, she called that dark period "the greatest gift and biggest turning point" in her life.

She wrote: "The path hasn't always been smooth.

"There's been pain, discomfort, loneliness, and deep self-confrontation. But sobriety handed me back my life."

Lucy also encouraged others facing addiction to seek help and to "keep going," adding: "It DOES get better."

Support poured in from friends and former co-stars, including Tyler Blackburn, who said he was "so proud" of her.

Ashley Newbrough - who worked with Lucy on Privileged - also offered heartfelt praise, saying she too was "beyond proud" of her co-star.

In a previous interview with People, Lucy opened up about her long battle with alcohol, admitting she first turned to drinking as a teenager because she felt "alone and misunderstood".

After years of relapses, she eventually found lasting sobriety, crediting her creative career as a vital outlet.