Shia LaBeouf's parental approval

Jun 20, 2010, 6:00 GMT

Shia LaBeouf has received the stamp of approval from Carey Mulligan's parents.

The 'Transformers' actor - who met the British star when the pair filmed 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' - was reportedly keen to prove to his girlfriend's parents that he is the "real deal" on a recent trip to the 25-year-old actress's London home.

An insider revealed: "Her parents were worried that Shia was just another Hollywood player who would hurt Carey.

"Shia did his best to prove he's the real deal."

In a bid to impress, the 23-year-old star - who previously dated model China Brezner -lavished gifts upon his girlfriend's parents, giving a Hermes scarf to her mother, Nano, and her father, Stephen, receiving an iPad.

The source added to National Enquirer magazine: "They thought it was sweet, and he enjoyed spoiling them a bit."

In the past, Shia has made no secret of how much Carey means to him and admits he is astonished by her talent.

He explained: "I never really had anything in my life that was off-limits but with this, just out of respect, I just don't want to f**k around.

"She's an unbelievably thought-provoking actress, the most talented actress I've ever met in my life, by leaps and bounds.

"Neither one of us are fame whores. It works out. It's not like we're the premiere couple; we're not the red carpet king and queen."