Eddie Murphy is secretly dating waitress Lara LaRue, it has been claimed.

The 'Shrek' actor - who split from producer Tracey Edmonds in January shortly after their unofficial wedding ceremony - has been romancing the 25-year-old beauty since they met while bowling in March.

A friend of the 47-year-old actor told In Touch Weekly magazine: "Eddie is really happy. He is already telling his friends that he is in love. He's been sending Lara huge floral arrangements practically every day and is talking about moving in together."

Lara, who is the sister of 'CSI: Miami' actress Eva LaRue, added: "I know Eddie. He's an amazing guy. I respect him and he respects me."

Lara currently works at Los Angeles restaurant Sushiya on Sunset Boulevard, but also works as a model.

Eddie has five children with his ex-wife Nicole Murphy, as well as a one-year-old daughter with Spice Girls star Melanie Brown.

He 'married' ex-girlfriend Tracey in a Bora Bora ceremony on January 1, but split after they realized their union was not recognized in the U.S.