Just days after saying she’s not looking forward to entering the Hollywood dating circuit, Kate Hudson has been linked to comic actor Dax Shepard.

Star magazine claims the couple were introduced by Kate’s step-dad Kurt Russell after he saw how miserable Kate was since splitting first from husband Chris Robinson last year then from Owen Wilson in May.

A source told the magazine that Kurt met the Punk’d star a few months ago: “Kurt took a liking to Dax because he’s a good ol’ boy from the Midwest who Kurt thinks is trustworthy and reliable.”

He introduced the pair at a barbecue last month and they “bonded immediately because Dax made her laugh”. Kate has now cast him in her short film for Glamour’s Reel Moments series: “Kate like his energy, and he brought a lot of enthusiasm and fresh ideas.”

“Kurt promised Kate it would get better [after her heart ache], that happiness was around the corner. It looks like he was right.”

“Kate is delighted! It’s summer love at its best, and she’s thrilled to be with someone who is making her heart beat faster.”

“Let’s just say Dax is the opposite of Owen. He’s down to earth and sincere. He’s a keeper.”