Jessica Simpson

Hollywood party animal Nick Lachey has readily admitted that he still has feelings for his ex-wife Jessica Simpson.

The handsome serial dater took some time off from hanging out with beautiful girls to grant an interview on April 4 on The Bert Show, an Atlanta-based radio program, reports In Touch Magazine.

Nick’s shocking admission: I still love Jess. And be nice - he didn’t say he still loves Jessica’s money.

The weekly magazine will report that a friend of the former boy-bander explained that while Nick is in terrific physical shape, insiders say he’s emotionally drained. After all, Nick may act like a tough guy, but it’s not easy for anyone to shut the door on love.

“He and Jessica were married for three years,” a pal tells the magazine. “It’s natural that he still thinks about her.

Jessica has reportedly shut the door on any reconciliation.

But in Australia - the buxom blonde was reportedly in tears. The magazine speculates that perhaps Nick’s “I love You” confession may have stirred emotions she thought were long gone.

Or - she may have just found out he’s hanging out with CaCee again.

It seems like a real long shot - but indeed fans of the couple are still desperately holding out - hoping that something, anything can reunite the couple before the divorce is final.