LOVE FOR THE AGES

Who says Hollywood men only go for much younger women? These couples buck the trend and with very happy results

- NICI DE WET

THERE they were on the red carpet, holding hands, sharing loving glances and even stealing a sweet kiss. All very normal behaviour for a madly-in-love celebrity couple except that whenever Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant get it on in public it triggers shock and outrage.

And why? For the simple reason that she has grey hair and many assume she's older than the John Wick heartthrob.

Alexandra is, in fact, eight years younger, but that hasn't stopped her from being mistaken for his mom, Patricia Taylor (76), and actress Helen Mirren (77).

Although Alexandra (50) and Keanu (58) laugh it all off, the reaction to their romance highlights the double standards and sexist attitudes that still exist - especially in age-obsessed Hollywood.

It's become so "normal" for male stars to date women at least half their age it's almost viewed as weird when someone like Keanu falls for a woman of his own generation.

Alexandra, a book illustrator, says: she gave up dyeing her hair years ago as she "couldn't tolerate the toxicity of it".

And clearly Keanu couldn't care less about the tint of her tresses.

They've been together for four years and the actor can't get enough of her.

Keanu, usually famously publicity shy, didn't hold back when he was asked to recall his "last moment of bliss" in a recent interview with People magazine.

"A couple of days ago with my honey, he replied. "We were in bed. We were connected. We were smiling and laughing and giggling. Feeling great. It was just really nice to be together.

Keanu and Alexandra met at a dinner party in 2009 and initially their relationship was purely professional. She did the illustrations for his 2011 book Ode to Happiness, a picture book for adults with the message we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously.