Eric laughs off Charlize Theron hook-up

Los Angeles - Eric Stonestreet has joked rumours he is dating Charlize Theron is hurting his relationship with Halle Berry.

The Modern Family star has been linked to the Snow White and the Huntsman actress recently, but he has laughed rumours off, claiming Halle - who is engaged to French hunk Olivier Martinez - is particularly upset by them.

He told E! News: "She was so cold to me this morning when she saw these rumours. It was just quiet - knife and fork on the plate. Halle and I weren't speaking at all. And I'm like, 'Halle, listen! It's just a rumour. It's not real!'"

'Started off as friends'

Eric - who broke up with his girlfriend of three years Katherine Tokarz earlier this month - was said to be head-over-heels with Charlize, who he met through a mutual friend earlier this year.

A source said: "Charlize and Eric get along incredibly well. They started off as friends but things are blossoming between them.

"Eric is down to earth and funny and Charlize thinks the world of him. It's early days but they're very fond of each other."

On Sunday Eric won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in A Comedy Series for his role in Modern Family.