Actor/comedian Eddie Murphy has sparked rumours of a blossoming romance with model Paige Butcher after the pair was spotted holding hands in Los Angeles on Tuesday (13Nov12).

The Shrek star stepped out with Butcher at a Beverly Hills coffee shop, and now sources tell UsMagazine.com the couple has been dating for two months.

One insider says, "He pursued her. (He) totally loves her look. He shows her off to his friends - she's one of those girls that make all your guy friends jealous. She loves sports, too, and likes to go to basketball games."

But Murphy is taking things slow with the Australian beauty and friends insist she is "fine to just have fun".

The 51 year old's exes include Spice Girls star Melanie Brown and DJ Rocsi Diaz, while Butcher has previously romanced music mogul Russell Simmons.