Now Kate Hudson plays Stepmom to new boyfriend Lance Armstrong's children

However if appearances are anything to go by then Hollywood actress Kate Hudson has passed her latest role - that of real-life stepmom - with flying colours.

The 29-year-old blonde beauty was spotted shopping with new beau Lance Armstrong and his twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 6, in Santa Monica at the weekend.

And if Hudson was worried about making a good impression, she has nothing to fear on that score.

A hit with the stepchildren: Kate Hudson enjoys a trip to the shops with new beau Lance Armstrong and his daughter

In fact Hudson proved such a hit with Armstong's daughters that one of them clung happily to her hand following their visit to the Bentons Sporting Goods Store in Pacific Palisades, California.

However fortunately for Hudson it wasn't her first encounter with Armstrong's children.

They spent Father’s Day together in Brooklyn with Hudson's son Ryder, 4, and Armstrong's children Luke, 8, and the twins.

Kate and Lance's relationship has accelerated at lightning speed since they began dating in May

On that occasion, it turned out to be a rather unconventional family affair, with Hudson's former husband, rocker Chris Robinson, also joining in the two hour brunch.

Since Hudson and the seven-time Tour de France champion began dating in May, their relationship has accelerated at lightning speed, with speculation mounting that the Almost Famous star will become the next Mrs Armstrong.

Last week it was a case of meet the parents, when Armstrong joined his girlfriend and her mother, Goldie Hawn, for a late lunch.

Again, it was smiles all round with the trio laughing and chatting easily.