Jessica Simpson's boyfriend Tony Romo has reportedly helped the would-be country singer regain her self-confidence following her divorce from Nick Lachey.

The star's new, curvier figure is apparently down to the Dallas Cowboys star, who has encouraged her to feel comfortable with her body.

“Tony tells Jessica not to let life pass her by,” China Daily quotes a source as saying.

“Tony is also the first to boost Jess about her body! Jessica admits she has packed on a few pounds but she doesn”t care. She is loving life and isn”t trying to be Daisy Duke."

On a less positive note, Romo is also said to have persuaded Simpson it would be a good idea to release a country album.