Mind The Gap!

Actress Kate Beckinsale is the latest celeb to hook p with a much younger guy. We look at the cougar phenomenon.

- Lindsay De Freitas

HIS hands are glued possessively to her face as he pulls her in for a passionate kiss. She stands rooted to the spot as they lock lips, her tousled hair tumbling over her bare shoulders.

They could easily be mistaken for a pair of twenty somethings canoodling out on the street – but the woman kissing her 21-year-old boyfriend outside Villa Lounge in West Hollywood, California, is 43-year-old Kate Beckinsale.

The actress – whose daughter, Lily (18), is just three years younger than her handsome new beau – seems positively smitten with up-and-coming actor and comedian Matt Rife.

According to sources the pair are now officially boyfriend and girlfriend.

“They quickly started flirting, went on their first date and it’s continued since,” an insider told E! Online. “He really is the sweetest guy and makes her so happy. Everyone in Kate’s circle loves Matt and is so supportive of this relationship. Her entire family thinks he’s the nicest and most lovely person.

“He’s mature for his age and is a great guy,” the source adds.

But the Underworld actress has come under fire for the more than 20-year age gap. Online trolls have called Kate’s new relationship a midlife crisis and one commenter even begged someone to call child welfare services.

Outspoken British TV personality Piers Morgan also jumped into the fray. “Look at what you’re doing. It’s practically toe-curling,” he commented. “He’s a kid; he’s 21.”

And there are those accusing Kate of using the young hunk to get back at her estranged husband, Underworld director Len Wiseman (44).

Kate and Len’s 12-year marriage came to a humiliating end when husband Len was seen out with former topless model CJ Franco (26) in 2015. Which naturally didn’t raise so much as an eyebrow.