OLIVIA Newton-John’s missing ex-lover has reportedly been found alive and well in Mexico more than a decade after he is suspected of faking his own death.

A photograph has emerged apparently showing a shirtless and dishevelled Patrick McDermott lounging next to a mystery woman on a beach in fishing town Sayulita.

8 Olivia Newton-John’s missing ex-lover Patrick McDermott has reportedly been found alive and well in Mexico Credit: AP:Associated Press

The bombshell snap is likely to heap fresh heartache on Grease star Olivia who admitted she has found it “very hard” to cope since the ex-cameraman’s disappearance.

McDermott had been dating Olivia for nine years when he vanished during an overnight fishing trip off the coast of California in June 2005.

It was claimed that McDermott, who owed £7,000 in backdated child support payments at the time, may have staged his own death to escape his financial woes.

Private investigators are convinced they have tracked down Olivia’s ex-partner to Mexico after a picture was found which bears a striking resemblance to McDermott.

8 A photograph has emerged apparently showing a shirtless and dishevelled McDermott lounging next to a mystery woman on a beach Credit: newidea.com.au

8 The bombshell snap is likely to heap fresh heartache on Grease star Olivia Credit: Splash News

Olivia Newton-John opens up ‏about ex-lover's disappearance on 60 Minutes Australia

The Coleman-Rayner news agency found the picture last month on a noticeboard at the El Palmar del Camaron beach campsite.

Top private investigator Charlie Parker supports the theory, saying he believes it is a match.

“The widow's peak is exact. The eyes are very similar and the ears extend down on the head the same distance. I believe it is him,” he told New Idea.

Patrick would be 60-years-old - roughly the same age the man in the photograph appears to be.

McDermott was declared dead in 2008, despite not one of 22 passengers on board fishing boat Freedom seeing him go overboard in San Pedro, California.

8 McDermott had been dating Olivia for nine years when he vanished during an overnight fishing trip off the coast of California in June 2005 Credit: Getty Images - Getty

8 It was claimed that McDermott, who owed £7,000 in backdated child support payments at the time, may have staged his own death to escape his financial woes Credit: Handout

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There have been several sightings of McDermott in Sayulita since he vanished 30 minutes before the boat was due to return to shore, leaving his bill fully paid and belongings stacked neatly on his bed.

He is rumoured to be living with a new German lover.

Private investigator John Nazarian previously claimed he believes McDermott withdrew his life savings from a bank account and obtained a new passport under his birth name Patrick Kim.

8 Olivia’s friends told New Idea she will be relieved to find out the truth Credit: AP:Associated Press

8 Magazine New Idea published the bombshell picture, which is understood to have been taken last month Credit: newidea.com.au

“It’s rumoured he was with a German national. I spoke to people there. The girl he was travelling with was described as having a German accent,” Mr Nazarian said.

Olivia’s friends told New Idea she will be relieved to find out the truth after being left in the dark for 12 years.

“Olivia will be shocked that it has finally come to an end, and that she can finally say ‘Yes, he's alive’,” a source told the publication.

“But, in saying that, she has her own battles to fight at the moment - she'll want to just forgive him and move on.”