Silverstone happy gay rumour helped her keep love secret

Alicia Silverstone was so determined to keep her romance with Chris Jarecki private, she let the media spread rumours she was a lesbian.

The pair married in July last year, after dating in total secrecy.

Because Silverstone was never linked with Hollywood's bachelors or spotted out with a hunky beau, the industry and press presumed she was gay - gossip the 29-year-old happily turned a blind eye to.

She says: "I was only 20 when I met Chris. It was a long time before we became romantically involved because I was so busy with my career. He just remained the person I wanted to talk to the most.

"I started to realise that he was the most wonderful man I'd probably ever meet. But I didn't want to talk about him because I thought it might jinx it.

"It took us an age to actually get together and by that time I'd become used to not talking about him. I also didn't want to become a showbiz couple.

"I'm naturally that way about my private life. I think some people must've thought: 'Does this guy really exist?'"