TROY - PALTROW'S EX DATING KRUGER

TROY beauty DIANE KRUGER has reportedly struck up a romance with GWYNETH PALTROW's ex-boyfriend and ketchup heir CHRIS HEINZ.

American newspaper NEW YORK DAILY NEWS reports the German model-turned-actress, 28, separated from her French husband GUILLAUME CANET several months ago (04) and has been dating American Heinz in secret since November (04).

A friend says the romance was kept quiet so it wouldn't affect Heinz's step-father SENATOR JOHN KERRY's Presidential campaign for the White House last year (04).

The pal says, "It was an issue during the campaign. Chris and Diane had to keep it quiet. But now that the campaign is over, they're more comfortable going public."

In a recent interview with HARPER'S + QUEEN magazine, Kruger said of her marriage, "I was so young. It's hard. I've taken on the attitude that if we're meant to be together, then we will be. I'm not going to give up my life, my work. Either we try to make it work or not."

Heinz was recently overheard chatting to his ex-love Paltrow, who he dated for a few months in 2001, saying he would like to become a father.