Weeks after Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston announced their split, the actor has broken his social media silence with the help of adorable puppies and... Selena Gomez.

Yes, you read that correctly - Selena Gomez.

Earlier this morning, the Leftovers star posted a photograph from the Austin Pets Alive shelter, with the caption: 'Another very inspiring visit with the incredible people and pups @austinpetsalive. I cannot understand how they do what they do, day after day, so consistently and lovingly to save so many dogs and cats.

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'I HIGHLY recommend going in and getting your nose bit by a toothless baby pitbull. These two aren't yet ready to go, but when they are go get em... Oh! And hey Houston! You have a Pets Alive no kill shelter there too!'

In the list of hashtags used by the 46-year-old, he included '#selenagomez', who was born in Texas.

preview for Jennifer Aniston And Justin Theroux’s Break Up Has A Surprising Backstory

Then, in a lengthier hashtag, the newly-single star wrote: 'Yeah that's right selena I did it to you again but if you saw these guys you'd do whatever you could too also I know you're chill like that [sic].'

Erm, since when were Selena Gomez and Justin Theroux friends?

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Well, we have a feeling Theroux met Gomez through Aniston, given the Friends star's close relationship with the 25-year-old.

In 2015, Gomez opened up about her friendship with the Californian actress after the pair struck up a friendship.

In an interview with KTU's Cubby and Carolina, the 'Bad Liar' singer previously said: 'Honestly, she's amazing. We met through my management. They manage her as well, so it was kind of like a friendly meeting and instantly she's, like, inviting me to her house.'

The pair reportedly have made pizza at Aniston's house with the 49-year-old sharing some words of wisdom over the years.

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'She's very cool and very sweet. She kind of gives me a lot of, like, maternal advice,' Gomez added.

Following his split with Aniston, neither actor has made any official public appearances, with Theroux cancelling an appearance on the Late Show last week.

On 15 February, the couple announced they were parting ways after two years of marriage.

'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. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship,' the couple said in a joint statement.

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'Normally we would do this privately, but given that the gossip industry cannot resist an opportunity to speculate and invent, we wanted to convey the truth directly. Whatever else is printed about us that is not directly from us, is someone else's fictional narrative. Above all, we are determined to maintain the deep respect and love that we have for one another.'

It's been widely rumoured the reason for the couple's split was due to their different opinions on where they should set up home - Los Angeles or New York.

Selena Gomez is currently dating Justin Bieber and recently celebrated Justin's dad's wedding in Jamaica.

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Katie O'Malley
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Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.