Shock new couple: Joss Stone and Nelly

Reuters

SHOCK COUPLE: Soul singer Joss Stone is reportedly dating American rapper Nelly.

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British soul singer Joss Stone is reportedly dating Amercian rapper Nelly.

The British star has been on several secret dates with the 33-year-old US rap star - who is 12 years her senior - and is said to be smitten with him.

A source revealed: "Joss and Nelly have been out on a few dates. It’s early days but Joss is really happy. It’s great that she has met someone as successful as she is and who understands the pressures of being a performer."

Joss, 21, is also reducing her hectic work schedule this year so she can have more time for herself, and spend more time with Work It rapper Nelly.

The source added to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “Her life has been like a whirlwind since she shot to fame at 14. Joss is determined to devote more time to herself, and if a little romance enters her life along the way who can blame her.”

Joss hasn’t had a serious relationship since splitting from her long-term love Beau Dozier - the son of Motown songwriter-and-producer Lamont - in 2005.

Earlier this year, the You Had Me singer insisted she hated men, because they were incapable of treating her well.

She said: "I've had kind of bad luck with boys, they just don't tend to be too kind to me. I don’t know why, maybe it’s something I do?”

Last year, Joss joked her luck with men was so bad she was considering becoming a lesbian.

The music star - who recently performed at a Hollywood awards ceremony for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation - quipped: “Every girl my age wants to be in a relationship, but I haven’t had one for two years. I think I’ll have to turn lesbian!”

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