Avril Lavigne’s partying with Paris Hilton last weekend was reportedly not just a coincidence or because the socialite used to go out with Avril’s now-husband Deryck Whibley - a source has told the New York Daily News that the sudden friendship is Avril’s attempt to get back in the paparazzi’s good books.

Avril has previously reacted badly to photographers, shouting and spitting at them when they followed her around but now the source claims she wants to turn that around to help boost her sagging pop career.

The source told the newspaper: “She’s aware of the [media] backlash and thinks people like Paris are well-received by the paparazzi.”

The source added that last weekend’s club-hopping together came about after Avril befriended Paris’ longtime friend Elisha Cuthbert and Avril wants to repeat the snapper-friendly behaviour again soon: “Avril loved the attention. Now she’s been calling Cuthbert nonstop trying to meet up - but only if Paris comes along too.”