AnnaLynne McCord's dad approves of new romance

Actress Annalynne Mccord's new romance with Dominic Purcell has been given the thumbs up by her protective father, who has become "obsessed" with the former Prison Break star.

The 90210 actress began dating Purcell last year (11) following her split from on/off boyfriend Kellan Lutz and she has previously gushed about how the pair "connected" over a conversation about moving out of Los Angeles.

She has since introduced Purcell to her dad David and, despite the 18-year age gap between them, her father has given the couple his seal of approval.

McCord, 24, tells Star magazine, "(David) is obsessed with him (Purcell). When they get together, they're like buddies. I'm like, 'What's wrong with this picture?'"

The TV star has also been spending time with the actor's four young kids from a previous marriage and recently bonded with his daughter Ashley over her charity work in Cambodia.

She says, "We really connected. It's really cool to be able to talk to an 11-year-old and have her be interested!"