Pete Doherty close friends with Carla Bruni. According to Pete Doherty

In news as likely as Michelle Obama striking up a friendship with Blake Fielder-Civil, or the Babyshambles singer himself going out with a supermodel (oh), Pete Doherty has reportedly developed at 'close' relationship with French first lady Carla Bruni. According to his manager that is.

Armed with his York Notes Poetry Guide and with rhymezone.com bookmarked, tortured artist Pete Doherty has been travelling Europe spreading his germs love of the written verse, most recently attracting the attention of French first lady Carla Bruni.

Talking to the Sunday Mirror, a source said:

"They've met up several times and really hit it off. Pete really enjoys Carla's company and is flattered by the fact she wants to spend time with him. Although their backgrounds may seem different they have an awful lot in common and chat endlessly about music, poetry, fashion and life.

"Carla is just the type of woman Pete likes - intelligent, sophisticated and, of course, extremely beautiful. For her part, Carla finds Pete really bohemian and interesting. They have intelligent conversation. Carla sent Pete a letter a few months ago and said she would love to meet him.

"She knew all about his music and career, having followed his career and he was, of course, flattered. He is a big star in France with a good profile - he's not known mostly for his drug use like he is in the UK."

Meanwhile, Doherty's manager Andrew Boyd confirmed that the duo have a "real connection". 

Well, we're certainly looking forward to a remake of this...