Rumors were spreading like a California wildfire last night that a recent co-star might have influenced this week's split between Kate Hudson and Chris Robinson. The name being mentioned was Owen Wilson, who appeared with Hudson in the just-opened comedy "You, Me & Dupree."

No one this column spoke to late Tuesday alleged any infidelity between the married actress and the noted Hollywood ladies' man. But a source said the two had found common ground and moved closer together during collaboration on the film.

One source close to the parties who did not wish to be identified said that the actors were only friends. Reps for Hudson and Wilson were not immediately available for comment last night.