The widow of Hollywood star OLIVER REED has a new man in her life. JOSEPHINE Reed was devastated when the burly actor collapsed and died while filming the hit movie GLADIATOR on location in Malta last year (99).

But she has now become close to wealthy Cork farmer WALTER RYAN-PURCELL. Walter lives in an historic mansion outside Churchtown and is said to be very fond of Josephine. They share a love of horses and are both members of the Duhallow Hunt.

A friend says, "They've been together quite a lot lately. They've shown up at hunt functions together and are a lovely couple. Everyone wishes them well as they are both now single and probably lonely. Wally provided a strong shoulder for Josephine after Ollie's death."

(RXT/IM/RC)

Source: WENN