Actor Terrence Howard has revealed he has been secretly dating former Miss Universe DAYANARA TORRES - the ex-wife of Jennifer Lopez's husband Marc Anthony.

The HUSTLE + FLOW star began dating Torres earlier this year (05) - just four months after his wife of 14 years LORI left him for her childhood sweetheart, a fate Torres suffered when Anthony left her for Lopez.

The couple kept the romance secret until Howard confessed all to reporters while picking up a Renaissance Artist Honor at the recent Diversification Awards in Hollywood, reports PageSix.com.

He explained, "She went through so much over Marc Anthony. I don't want her to have to have a secret."

Howard was later overheard calling Torres and telling her, "I just told a television reporter about us. I told the whole story. I love you."