Date: 5th December 2001

Kate's Estranged Husband Moves On


KATE WINSLET's estranged husband JIM THREAPLETON has been dating an old university pal since his marriage split. Heartbroken Jim turned to TIE RACK chain store heiress KAREN BISHKO for comfort when his actress spouse, by whom he has a baby daughter, MIA, filed for divorce in September (01).

And according to mutual friends, their relationship has taken a more serious turn since the film producer found out about his wife's romance with AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999) director SAM MENDES. Jim, 27, and Karen, 29, who once dated TAKE THAT star JASON ORANGE, are said to have enjoyed a string of dates, and were spotted on Monday night (3rd December 2001) sharing a cosy dinner date with another couple at posh restaurant JULIE'S in Holland Park, London.

A fellow diner says, "It definitely looked like a double date. He looked very close to the brunette he was with. There was a lot of laughter and they seemed to be enjoying each other's company. "

And a friend of the pair adds, "They have been close for years. Whether Kate knows how close, I don't know. " Jim and Karen first met as students at England's MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY, and Kate also got matey with Karen after wedding Jim. (KW/WNTSU/MCM)

Source: WENN