LATEST: A pal of actress Nicole Kidman has confirmed the OSCAR-winner is dating rocker LENNY KRAVITZ - following a series of reports claiming the pair were spending nights together.

The glamorous couple have hired a luxury yacht for a three-week break in the south of France next month (SEP03), after Nicole finishes filming on her latest movie - a remake of The Stepford Wives.

A pal of the showbiz pair says, "It's the real thing and they'll step out together in public sooner rather than later. They're having fun and enjoying those first flushes of romance. He makes her laugh and is very attentive. They're both very happy."

ARE YOU GONNA GO MY WAY? hitmaker Lenny was spotted canoodling with the leggy stunner on 21 June (03) in Manhattan's SOHO HOUSE, two nights before they attended SEAN 'P DIDDY' COMBS's birthday party together. They've since been spotted enjoying a string of intimate dinner dates.

The friend adds, "It started out as friends but has moved on very quickly. He's quirky and cool - very different to the usual sort of guy she goes for."

Since splitting from husband Tom Cruise in 2001, Nicole has been linked to pop star Robbie Williams and Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire. Reports also claim her relationship with British hunk Jude Law caused the actor's highly publicised split with his wife SADIE FROST - something she heavily denied.

Dread-locked rocker Lenny's many conquests include Vanessa Paradis, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia and Naomi Campbell.

10/08/2003 14:08