Jennifer Aniston's ex-husband Justin Theroux makes rare admission about feelings towards her despite new engagement

Despite having gone their separate ways back 2018, it sounds as though actor Justin Theroux still harbours some pretty strong feelings for ex-wife Jennifer Aniston.

In a rare admission made this week, the Girl On The Train actor - who recently announced his engagement to 30-year-old girlfriend Nicole Brydon Bloom - spoke openly about his former marriage, while jumping to Jennifer's defence.

Justin spoke adoringly about his ex-wife this week (Mike Marsland/WireImage)

For those unfamiliar with J and J's love story, the pair first met in 2007 through mutual friends in the entertainment industry.

Despite this they didn't end up taking their relationship to the next level until 2011, having worked closely together on the star-studded fantasy movie Wanderlust.

The years that followed saw the couple tie the knot in 2015 before countless huge-name celebrities - including Jimmy Fallon, Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer's Friends co-stars - at her $21million Bel-Air mansion.

Though the couple initially appeared to boast a smooth-sailing relationship, just three years later, Jennifer and Justin released a joint statement announcing their separation.

"In an effort to reduce any further speculation, we have decided to announce our separation. This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year [2017]," they revealed at the time.

The couple announced their split in early 2018 (Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

"We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship."

And - unlike the majority of A-list exes - it sounds as though Jennifer and Justin have stuck to their word about hoping to remain friends, with Justin this week lifting the lid on the adoration he feels for his former wife.

Speaking to The Times this week, 53-year-old Justin first of all applauded Jennifer, 55, for firing back at Donald Trump's vice presidential candidate JD Vance's recent remarks about 'childless cat ladies'.

For those out of the loop, the controversial politician questioned Vice President Kamala Harris' leadership back in 2021 because she didn't have any 'biological children'.

This was something which Jennifer recently hit out about, writing on Instagram: "All I can say is… Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day."

Jennifer was defended by her ex (James Devaney/GC Images)

Anyway, as we say, speaking to press, Justin firstly defended Jennifer's comments, before revealing his reason why.

"She is still very dear to me so, of course, yeah, I feel protective," he told the news outlet this week.

"But she batted back criticism, as well she should," he added.

According to People Magazine, Justin recently popped the all important question to his girlfriend Nicole after their relationship was made public in February last year.