LATEST: AMERICAN IDOL host RYAN SEACREST has confirmed he is dating DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES star TERI HATCHER.

The talent show host appeared on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO last night (30MAR06) and Leno asked him about pictures of the couple kissing which appeared in an American magazine.

Seacrest said, "She's fantastic, she's great. I think she's a beautiful woman, she's a great dresser.

He jokingly added, "We can share jeans, it's perfect." Seacrest managed to side-step further questions about the relationship, but was put on the spot again when Los Angeles radio station KTLA's entertainment reporter SAM RUBIN called him live on air.

Rubin also quizzed him about the photos, with Seacrest saying, "I think we can assume that we've been together.

"If I wanted to have my picture taken I would have gone to (popular celebrity restaurant) The Ivy, that (the restaurant where he was photographed with Hatcher) was far out of town.

"That was a surprise to me."When Rubin asked if he was embarrassed by the photos being published in a national magazine, Seacrest replied, "I'm not embarrassed, she's beautiful." When asked if the couple would be going on another date Seacrest quipped,"You'll have to ask her."

(SS/WNVLEN&WNV/SC)