She usually plays it safe on the red carpet in her favourite look - a little black dress - but last night Jennifer Aniston pulled out all the stops for the New York premiere of her new romcom, The Bounty Hunter.

The actress, 41, surprised the crowd with a nude-coloured Grecian jersey dress by Donna Karan which skimmed neatly over her incredibly toned physique.

But there was another element to the night which was far more predictable - her over-the-top display of friendly affection with co-star Gerard Butler.

Here we go again: Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston put on a familiar show as they attend the New York premiere of The Bounty Hunter last night

Grecian goddess: The actress, 41, looked elegant in the Donna Karan design

It's a familiar sight for seasoned red-carpet watchers, who have seen the pair put on similar performances at the UK premiere in London last week and as far back as the Golden Globes in January.

The co-stars have also raved about one another on morning talk shows, late-night chat programmes and magazine covers.

While they have clearly courted attention with persistent touchy-feely routines and gushing comments, the pair have simultaneously denied any romantic links.

Gooey eyes: Jennifer gazes adoringly at Gerard, but is it just good acting?

Oh you guys! Giggles and hugs are part of the pair's over-the-top red
carpet routine

Arm in arm: The pair are certainly working overtime to generate Bounty
Hunter buzz

It has led sceptics to brand the union a 'showmance' - a fake romance designed to generate buzz about the movie, which by early accounts, needs all the help it can get to achieve box office success.

Just last night, the Scottish actor called Jennifer his 'most treasured possession', while she gushed: 'He's a guy and he's also got a heart.'

They even holidayed together in Mexico but Jennifer insists their relationship is genuine and platonic.

Quick change: Jen later switched into a trusty LBD and leather jacket as she headed off to catch up with friends

She says: 'You know there's all this stuff about calculating... that me and Gerry are in this fake relationship for the press of our movie or the selling of it.

'It's just so insulting at the same time, but again it's the story... I'm getting to a better place in understanding that they're just making money.'

Those who can't get enough of Jen and 'Gerry', as she calls him, can catch them on UK screens in The Bounty Hunter from today.

Replaying the same scene: Jen and Gerard at the Golden Globes in January and right, at the UK premiere of The Bounty Hunter last week