Gigi Hadid, 28, and Bradley Cooper, 48, were introduced by HIS EX and fellow model Irina Shayk... and Gigi is said to be 'interested and excited'

By BRIAN MARKS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: | Updated:

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper's burgeoning romance reportedly got off the ground thanks to some help from his matchmaker ex.

The 28-year-old model and the 48-year-old actor, writer and director first got in touch after Bradley's former partner Irina Shayk, 37, introduced them, a source told The Messenger on Wednesday.

'Gigi was introduced to Bradley through Irina [Shayk] and their mutual friends in the industry,' the source said.

Gigi — who was briefly linked to Leonardo DiCaprio earlier this year — and the Oscar nominee have known each other for years, so it's unclear if Irina recently reintroduced them, or if the introduction came years earlier.

'Gigi and Irina have been close over the years while working together, and Gigi and Bradley have hung out before, but it has always been friendly in social settings,' the source continued. 'Gigi and Bradley were in touch recently, and were bonding over their daughters, when Bradley asked her out.'

Mutual friends: Gigi Hadid, 28, was introduced to her new fling Bradley Cooper, 48, by his ex Irina Shayk, a source told The Messenger on Wednesday; seen October 3 in Paris

Mutual friends: Gigi Hadid, 28, was introduced to her new fling Bradley Cooper, 48, by his ex Irina Shayk, a source told The Messenger on Wednesday; seen October 3 in Paris

Close contact: 'Gigi and Irina have been close over the years while working together, and Gigi and Bradley have hung out before, but it has always been friendly in social settings,' the source continued; seen in 2019 in Beverly Hills

Close contact: 'Gigi and Irina have been close over the years while working together, and Gigi and Bradley have hung out before, but it has always been friendly in social settings,' the source continued; seen in 2019 in Beverly Hills

Bradley's leap of faith was apparently a big hit with Gigi.

'He pursued her and she was definitely interested and excited,' the insider said.

The catwalk star most recently casually dated Leonardo DiCaprio, but the two quickly transitioned to just being friends.

Prior to that, she had been in a relationship with former One Direction member Zayn Malik, with whom she shares her three-year-old daughter Khai.

However, the couple split in late 2021, and a physical altercation he had with her mother Yolanda Hadid seemed to end any prospect of the one on–off couple reuniting again. 

As she and Bradley get to know each other better, Gigi is making sure to keep things low key.

'They have been casually seeing each other but it is extremely new,' the source continued. 'Gigi has expressed she does not want a serious relationship. 

'They have a lot in common, and both relate to being parents in the industry,' they added. 'She wants to get into acting and is intrigued by Bradley's perspective and guidance. It is very casual at this point.'

In addition to helping set up his latest fling, Irina has managed to keep a strong relationship with her former partner.

The catwalk star began dating Bradley in 2015, and they went on to welcome their daughter Lea De Seine in March of 2017.

Despite their starting a family, Bradley and Irina's relationship began to show cracks in 2019, particularly as he promoted his Oscar-winning remake of A Star Is Born, which he starred in opposite Lady Gaga.

The couple split later that year, though they have maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship. Irina has even shared photos of the two enjoying time together on the beach as they vacationed with their daughter.

Thumbs up: Bradley's leap of faith was apparently a big hit with Gigi. 'He pursued her and she was definitely interested and excited,' the insider said; seen in March 2022
Fling: She most recently dated Leonardo DiCaprio; seen October 3 in Paris

Thumbs up: Bradley's leap of faith was apparently a big hit with Gigi. 'He pursued her and she was definitely interested and excited,' the insider said. She most recently dated Leonardo DiCaprio

Still close: Bradley, who shares daughter Lea De Seine, six, with Irina, split from her in 2019. However, the two have remained friends and committed co-parents and have even vacationed together with their daughter since then; seen in 2018 in NYC

Still close: Bradley, who shares daughter Lea De Seine, six, with Irina, split from her in 2019. However, the two have remained friends and committed co-parents and have even vacationed together with their daughter since then; seen in 2018 in NYC

Perfect match: Gigi, who shares daughter Khai, three, with ex Zayn Malik, is supportive of Bradley sobriety, and her parenting skills appeal to him, a source told DailyMail.com exclusively this week; seen October 3 in Paris

Perfect match: Gigi, who shares daughter Khai, three, with ex Zayn Malik, is supportive of Bradley sobriety, and her parenting skills appeal to him, a source told DailyMail.com exclusively this week; seen October 3 in Paris

Bradley seems to be as interested in Gigi as she is in him.

Insiders close to the American Sniper star told DailyMail.com exclusively that he is 'very excited' about the budding romance, and they added that Gigi is 'exactly his type.'

'He hasn't felt this excitement about a woman in a very long time,' a source added, noting that they are taking things 'slow.'

Adding to the factors making them a great match was Bradley's admiration for Gigi's parenting skills, and she was said to be supportive of his sobriety. 

Irina ShaykLeonardo DiCaprioBradley Cooper

Most watched News videos