Jennifer Aniston have fun with her boyfriend: The actress has been largely single since splitting from musician John Mayer in 2009, although she has been linked to co-stars including Gerard Butler, and gone on some dates.

It has now been claimed the star has been romancing a mystery man in secret for several months, but doesn’t feel ready to go public yet. Jennifer is understood to have met the unnamed gent last year, and is thrilled with how the relationship is progressing.

“Jennifer is trying to keep her new boyfriend under wraps, for now. But he’s had such a profound effect on her it’s really quite amazing. She’s had a spring in her step that we haven’t seen in years,” a source said.

“Jen says the nicest thing about her new man is that he’s a homebody – he loves to stay in and watch TV with her. They’re addicted to shows like Jersey Shore and American Idol, which they’ll enjoy over a bottle of wine and a takeout. Her new man showers her with compliments – and raved about how great her hair has been looking since she got it cut shorter.”

The 42-year-old has apparently made a conscious decision to keep the romance under wraps for now so it has a better chance of surviving. Jennifer and her beau have swapped evenings out at high-profile bars and restaurants for nights at her Beverly Hills mansion, to ensure they don’t feel pressured to stay together.

The star is divorced from Brad Pitt, and although she has dated men since they split in 2005, none of the relationships worked out. She is convinced it’s because her life is scrutinised by the public to such a degree most men can’t handle it.

“She knows that if people find out who he is, they will follow her and him around – and that would change the dynamic completely,” another insider told National Enquirer. “Half the fun for her has been the fact it’s a non-flashy, down-to-earth adult relationship.”Jennifer has told some of those who are close to her though, including her best pals Courteney Cox Arquette and Sheryl Crow.