CONNIE NIELSEN - NIELSEN STILL SMOKING

CONNIE NIELSEN has started smoking again even though she's campaigning to raise awareness of heart disease amongst women.

The GLADIATOR beauty, who is dating METALLICA drummer LARS ULRICH, gave up the unhealthy habit for five years, but the stresses of acting pushed her into lighting up again.

Nielsen says, "I did quit for five years, starting when I was pregnant, but this job of acting is so stressful. Actors very much need their relaxation of all kinds, and sometimes smoking is the only way we can find to relax.

"It's not a drug in the usual sense. It doesn't alter your perception of reality, but it makes you feel like you can deal with things better. But I know I should quit."