Troubled rocker Pete Doherty is dating a 19-year-old model, hotly tipped by fashion experts to be the next Kate Moss. The 28-year-old Babyshambles frontman, whose two-year relationship with the 33-year-old supermodel ended last September, has been stepping out with Kate Moss dead ringer, 19-year-old Portia Freeman since before Christmas.
The 5ft 9in blonde is considered to be one of the most promising models on the books of Select, her London-based agency.
Doherty's romance with the up-and-coming model began when the pair were introduced by Doherty's ex-girlfriend Lisa Moorish, with whom he has a five-year-old son called Astile.
At the time Portia, who grew up in affluent Surrey, was dating a musician.
But she called off the relationship to start an affair with Doherty and has made several visits to his rented house in the country.
"Pete is seeing Portia and he really likes her," a source close to the troubled singer told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper last night.
"They get to see each other at weekends when Pete isn't touring with his band Babyshambles. She went back to Pete's after watching him play a gig in December.
"It's early days and they are enjoying each other's company."
While Portia is believed to be besotted with drug-addict Pete, the budding romance is said to have infuriated her family and friends.
Portia's father, a university lecturer, said that he had never met the Doherty, and played down his daughter's relationship with the drug ravaged rocked. "You should check your contact - my daughter isn't having a relationship with Pete Doherty," he said.
But Portia, who was photographed in cosying up to the singer last month at a gig in East London, has told friends that she is crazy about Doherty.
"Portia is probably the best thing to happen to Pete. She is a very clean-living girl and not at all into drugs," said a friend. "He is trying to stick with his rehab programme and trying to stay clean. He is having regular counselling sessions and has been advised not to jump headfirst into any relationship. He wants to take things slowly.
"He really enjoys spending time with Portia. They love walking across the fields of the country estate where Pete rents a house."
On the relationship, Doherty's manager said, last night: "Obviously I don't know about everything Pete does.
"I'm not saying that he and Portia don't know each other - I just don't think they are in a relationship."
A spokesman for Portia declined to comment.
By Owen Williams, Jan 13 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy
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