At first glance it may not be apparent what attracted Kimberly Stewart to actor Rhys Ifans.

But look closer and the model appears to prove the theory that women are drawn to men who look like their fathers.

Ifans bears a striking resemblance to her father Rod in his heyday.

Blond feathered hair and cravat: Rhys Ifans, left and Rod Stewart in the 1970s

Both men share the same blond, feathered and untamed locks with patrician noses and a long face.

Even their dress sense is alike, favouring white shirts and jackets teamed with a dapper cravat. 

And, of course, both share a penchant for blondes. Miss Stewart has been dating Ifans, 40, since last month.

They visited their favourite West End haunt Bungalow 8 and left holding hands in the early hours of yesterday. Both wore hats, Ifans a brown fedora, and Miss Stewart a bowler.

Party people: Ifans and Kimberly leave Bungalow 8 early yesterday

Self-confessed daddy's girl Miss Stewart, who turns 29 today, has been linked to Robbie Williams and playboy Calum Best. Rod Stewart, 63, is notoriously protective of his daughter, a child of his first marriage to Alana Hamilton.

In 2006 when Russell Brand boasted he had slept with her, Stewart publicly rebuked the comedian and made him admit he had made up the story.

Research published last year found that daughters with close relationships with their fathers are more likely to choose men that resemble them.

Dr Lynda Boothroyd from Durham University, who conducted the study, said: 'Daughters who have a very positive childhood relationship with their fathers choose men with similar facial characteristics.'

If protective dad Stewart had seen Ifans out and about in Soho yesterday he might not have been very impressed.

After drinking with friends Rhys fell off his chair before climbing into his car through the window.

Not a sight to impress his future father-in-law.

Don't look now dad: Rhys falls into his car through the window