Hollywood heartthrob Orlando Bloom has set pulses racing as photos circulated of him paddleboarding in the nude with latest squeeze Katy Perry.

The Kent-born star shows no inhibitions as he manfully handles his oar with bikini-clad Perry sat at the helm.

The pictures have been published by the New York Daily News tabloid and have quickly caused a stir around the globe.

The 39-year-old "Pirates of the Caribbean" star was first linked with the 31-year-old singer in January.

This week they have been pictured on a sun-kissed break in Sardinia looking very much a couple in love.

Neither shied away from the paparazzi lenses as they frolicked in the azure waters before Bloom ditched his trunks to go commando.

He was also pictured kissing the "Roar" singer and helping her apply sunscreen.

Bloom was born and grew up in Canterbury, where he attended St Edmund’s School.

As a youngster he developed a passion for performing, appearing in the school’s production of Pirates of Penzance in the mid 1990s.

He attended drama school in London and made brief TV appearances in shows such as Casualty and Midsomer Murders.

While studying he landed a dream role as elf Legolas in Peter Jackson’s box office smash trilogy Lord of the Rings.

He lives in LA and has split from wife Miranda Kerr, the Australian supermodel, with whom he has a son.