A-list Star Interferes in Nicoles Love Life

has reportedly been encouraged by close friend to from last year.

The Babygirl actress, 58, is said to have leaned on the Gladiator star, 61, for support as she adjusts to life on her own – with Russell advising her to take time for herself rather than rushing into another relationship.

'He spent years as a single parent and experienced a lot of growth during that time,' an insider told The Globe. 

They added that Russell had worked on significantly improving himself while single – and hoped that Nicole would do the same.

'That's why he's warning Nicole not to dive headfirst into a new relationship to fill the void left by Keith. Russell's secret to happiness and to dealing with the demons has been to focus on his children above everything else.'

They added that Russell was asking Nicole to spend time doing things she enjoyed to keep herself occupied, such as visiting Australia.

'This is all coming from a place of genuine love and respect for Nicole,' the source added. 

It follows

Nicole and Simon, who play a married couple in the new Amazon Prime series Scarpetta, were seen holding hands and beaming together in March at the show's New York premiere.

At the event, Nicole admitted that their chemistry 'just vibrates', while Simon cheekily added: 'I don't kiss and tell'. 

Nicole's ex–husband Keith, 58, is said to be devastated by her rumoured romance, 

'Seeing Nicole and Simon holding hands was the equivalent of seeing his best mate with his missus, and it did a number on him,' an insider told Woman's Day magazine.

'He knew it was natural for her to lean on Simon – he was also there for Naomi Watts after her split from Liev [Schreiber].'

The source added that Keith was seriously hoping that Nicole and Simon were just having fun for the cameras, as a genuine romance between them would devastate him.