Paula Abdul's New Boyfriend

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Paula Abdul's New Boyfriend

Alex

24th March 2006

A few weeks ago Paula Abdul got very teary talking to TV's Dr. Phil about the difficulty of finding true love. He promptly set her up on 10 blind dates – but that was before Tony Schiena.

At last Tuesday's opening of the Leona Edmiston boutique in West Hollywood, the 43-year-old American Idol judge turned heads when she arrived with the actor on her arm. At one point Schiena, 6'3", stood behind the 5'2" star and wrapped her in his arms, People Magazine reports in its upcoming issue.

Schiena was named a black belt world champ by the World Traditional Karate Organization in 2001 before turning to acting. (His credits include CSI: NY and a small role in 2004's The Merchant of Venice.) Ooopps Simon better watch out!!

Abdul's rep insists the duo are "just friends," while Schiena's rep says her client's "friendship" with Abdul started a year ago, when they met socially.