Dawn Collinson talks to Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband and original Chippendale, Cris Judd, as he reunites some of the gang for a nostalgic tour

IF THE name Cris Judd sounds familiar, then there’s probably one very good and glamorous reason.

Because, while the goateed choreographer is known for numerous TV appearances in America – including their version of the celebrity jungle – it’s his famous ex-wife who has won him headlines this side of the Atlantic.

The 39-year-old Texan was Mr Jennifer Lopez. Husband number two, in fact.

After meeting on the set of her video for Love Don’t Cost a Thing, their marriage lasted less than a year, but it shot Cris to celebrity stardom, landing him on People magazine’s 25 hottest bachelors list.

Seven years on, if there was ever any bitterness in their break-up, then the genial dancer shows no residual signs. Quite the opposite, he actually appears perfectly content to still be linked with his former wife.

“Oh, I don’t mind at all,” he shrugs. “It was a part of my life and it’s going to be a part of me forever. If people associate me with Jennifer, then that’s fine. I know that there’s this tabloid culture in Britain, and I remember that it was kind of a big deal for the tabloids when I was with her.

“But I have never minded that attention, so long as the remarks are appropriate. It’s the snooping or the sniping that bothers you. But my marriage was one of the happiest times of my life, so I’ve no regrets on that.”

Perhaps the reported £10m divorce settlement has played its part in his attitude, although it is just possible that Cris is genuinely a Mr Nice Guy.

Certainly, he’s unusually full of gentle self-deprecating charm for someone who began his mainstream performing career in hardly the most low-key way.