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Julianne Hough: 'Ryan was my first crush'

Oct 26, 2012, 3:20 GMT

Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest was Julianne Hough's first crush.

The 24-year-old actress has been dating 'American Idol' presenter Ryan for two years and admitted she admired the 37-year-old star long before the pair ever met.

Speaking at the Fulfillment Fund Stars Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Wednesday (24.10.12), she said: 'I'm kind of dating my first celebrity crush, so I feel pretty fortunate.'

Despite her crush, Julianne has previously admitted she was reluctant to date Ryan at first and was so nervous about their first date she bombarded him with questions rather than simply enjoying her time with him.

She said: 'I was reluctant because he is such an influential guy and what if it didn't work out? Our first date, I was so nervous that I just sat there and interviewed him with questions like, 'Are you loyal?' and, 'Are you close to your family?''

However, Julianne - whose brother is 'Dancing with the Stars' professional Derek Hough - is now so comfortable with him that she has put on weight, and can no longer drink cheap wine due to the cultural influence he has had on her.

She explained: 'I'm 20lbs heavier than I was when we started dating, and now we always have great wine, and I can tell the difference.

'So I told him, 'You ruined my life because I can't go to a friend's house and drink cheap wine anymore!''

The Fulfillment Fund is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to making college a viable opportunity for students in low-income communities in Los Angeles. For more information go to www.fulfillment.org