Terri Irwin opens up about Russell Crowe romance rumours

Terri Irwin opened up about the rumours surrounding her and Russell Crowe.

The Australia Zoo star revealed that although she considers the Oscar-winning actor a "dear friend" there has never been a romance between them.

Speaking to Access Hollywood, Terri joked that Russell "is very lucky to be embroiled in all of these great rumours.”

"We are friends, so he did contact me and ask me if there was something I should let him know."

Terri – who was married to Steve Irwin for 14 years before he died in 2006 – admits her husband and Russell were close friends and that he was there for her when Steve passed.

"In all honesty, he and Steve became friends many years ago, and after Steve passed, you find out who your true friends are. And Russell has been very loyal as a great friend."

"Russell was right there," she continued. "He talked about the situation publicly and stood up and helped us and is a great guy, but absolutely just a dear friend … Nothing going on."

Terri confessed that she has, in fact, remained single since her husband’s death more than 10 years ago.

"Just because I feel a connection still with Steve," she told Access Hollywood. "I really don't think I would have married if I hadn't met Steve. And he's very special to me and continues to be.

"And I've got beautiful kids and a lot of wonderful conservation work. So I'm lonely for Steve, but I'm not a lonely person."

Terri's daughter Bindi Irwin recently spoke about the Russell Crowe rumours revealing: "'We do love Russell, but mum and Russell aren’t actually in love!"