TITANIC (1997) star KATE WINSLET's new romance with movie director SAM MENDES has her family's support. The 26-year-old star, who split from husband JIM THREAPLETON this year (SEPT01) after three years of marriage, is reported by british papers to now be dating the AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999) director.

And Kate's uncle, ROGER BRIDGES, has given the relationship his blessing. Bridges says, "Kate's been under so much pressure. She needs a shoulder to cry on. " And yesterday (18NOV01) Bridges admitted Kate's family would be thrilled if the romance lasted.

He explains, "The main thing is that she's happy and that's what all her family want. It will be painful for Jim but she can't sit around like a cabbage. We all thought her marriage to Jim would be everlasting but it wasn't. "

The multi-millionaire actress, who has a 14-month-old daughter MIA with Jim, spent the weekend (ENDS18NOV) with Sam, 35, at a luxury hotel in Texas. She is believed to have told Jim, 27, that her new relationship started after their split. (KMW/WNTSU/BRC)

Source: WENN