Julianne Hough was introduced to new beau by co-star Teddy Sears

Julianne Hough has her movie co-star Teddy Sears to thank for her new romance with Canadian sportsman Brooks Laich after the actor introduced the pair in December (13).

The Footloose beauty sparked rumours she had found love again last weekend (16Feb14) after she was snapped strolling hand in hand with ice hockey player Laich in California.

Now the Washington Capitals star has opened up about their blossoming relationship, revealing mutual pal Sears, who worked with Hough on upcoming film Curve, had helped to set the couple up.

Speaking to Washington, D.C. radio station The Fan on Wednesday (19Feb14), he said, On set, apparently, he was talking with Julianne... and asked her if she'd been seeing anyone, and she said no or whatever, and I guess he was watching our hockey game at the time.

"He always watches the game on (sports network ESPN's) Game Center (app) on his iPad. I guess he just showed her the iPad and said, 'Well, I've got a guy for you,' or something."

But Laich is refusing to share too much about the new lady in his life: "I don't want to get into a whole lot of it. I'm kind of shy on my personal life. But she's a cool, cool gal. She's just a sweetheart, very loving, very giving. She puts so much great out into the world. I'm a pretty lucky guy."

Hough split from TV and radio personality Ryan Seacrest last March (13) after two years together.