Britney Spears‘ mystery rehab boyfriend has been IDd as singer/songwriter Howie Day - and a source close to Britney has claimed the star is smitten with him.

The pair met during Britney’s stay at Promises Treatment Center in Malibu last month and were photographed playing tennis together - and then were rumoured to indulged in some post-tennis action in the bushes.

A source told Life & Style: “They formed a special bond. They were in group therapy together and Brit found his experiences fascinating.

“They would talk in their free time and tried to have lunch together twice a week.”

Britney left the facility on 20 March but hasn’t forgotten Howie, who is still in the treatment programme - the source added that the couple text message each other constantly and she is thinking of taking him as her guest to her cousin Erin’s wedding over the summer.

The source said: “Britney just lights up when she talks to Howie or tells people about him. She thinks he’s very talented and says he’s the best kisser.”