Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger is secretly dating singer Damien Rice, The Mirror reports today.

The pair have apparently been spending time together in Ireland, following Zellweger's split from Jack White in November.

A source told the newspaper, "Renee and Damien have been seeing each other for a while and they're both really happy.

"They share a mutual love of music and both are very deep thinkers. Renee is pretty intense and Damien is something of a poet so they're the perfect match.

"They have been seen drinking in an Irish pub together and they certainly looked very cosy but it's early days."

A spokesman for Rice refused to reveal if there was any truth in the story.

He explained, "It is no secret that they know each other but Damien is an intensely private man and doesn't discuss his relationships."