JOHNNY KNOXVILLE - KNOXVILLE URGES PRESS TO STOP SIMPSON AFFAIR REPORTS

JOHNNY KNOXVILLE has begged the press to stop reporting he had an affair with his DUKES OF HAZZARD co-star JESSICA SIMPSON - because it's upsetting their families.

The former JACKASS funnyman was rumoured to have romanced the reality TV beauty on the set of the movie remake - despite the fact he's married to MELANIE CLAPP and Simpson is married to former boyband star, NICK LACHEY.

Knoxville - real name PHILLIP CLAPP - says he's used to hurtful gossip, but his loved ones are finding it difficult to deal with.

He says, "Jessica and I are just friends. She's a great girl and all that, but all the rumours.

"I just take it in my stride, but it's kind of hurtful to the families that are involved."