Dax Shepard thinks there was a "ton of jealousy" at the start of his romance with Kristen Bell.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell got engaged in 2009

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell got engaged in 2009

The 46-year-old actor was in a nine-year open relationship before he met Kristen - and he admits that the blonde beauty had every right to be concerned when they started dating.

Dax - who has also battled substance abuse issues in the past - shared: "My wife is incredibly confident as she should be.

"There was a ton of jealousy at the beginning of the relationship, for pretty good reasons. I had been in an open relationship for nine years. I was blacked out a big chunk of my life. There were a lot of things for her to be concerned about."

The loved-up couple got engaged in 2009, and Dax admits that it marked a turning point in his life.

The actor - who married Kristen in 2013 - told 'The Drew Barrymore Show': "I’d say once we got engaged some kind of switch for me seemed to change.

"I find her to be incredibly not jealous, which is a very hot characteristic in a partner."

Kristen - who has Delta, six, and Lincoln, eight, with her husband - confessed to having fears about Dax at the beginning of their romance.

She said: "I’m a big believer in forgiveness and second chances.

"In the beginning it was nerve-racking dating Dax knowing his history of recovery and that he’s just this big force, but I was like, 'No, he’s got it inside of him. He’s got all this goodness.'"

Kristen now feels that her decision to settle down with Dax has been justified.

She explained: "I have been proven right, because nobody is more affectionate. I’m not even as affectionate with our girls as he is. Hopefully they will grow up healthier and happier and safer."