AceShowbiz -

The man breaks his silence. James Tupper, the "Men In Trees" actor who was reported secretly romancing co-star Anne Heche, finally spills the bean on their relationship.

In an interview with People magazine the actor said he and Anne didn't start stepping out together until after they had become single. "I adore her," James told People. "I'm hopeful for the future."

Insisted their romance didn't break-up their respective marriages, James went on claiming, "The line was never crossed [while they were both involved with other people]" while adding he's "not ready to rush into marriage."

James, who plays Heche's love interest in the US TV show, split from his wife in November. Elsewhere, Heche and her husband Coley Laffoon parted ways early this year.