Terri Irwin jokes about being 'in love' with Russell Crowe after relationship rumours

Terri Irwin has addressed the rumours that she's got a romantic connection with Russell Crowe once and for all.

On an interview with The Sunday Project, the Australia Zoo owner ~confirmed~ her true feelings to Lisa Wilkinson.

"Why is it you are so often linked to Russell Crowe?" Lisa asked while holding a koala (as you do). "And I want you to think about your answer, 'cause we could kill off about six months' worth of rotten tabloid headlines now."

"I am in love with him. I have to admit it," Terri, 54, said in a deadpan manner. "I am desperately and totally in love."

"Does he know about that?" Lisa pressed.

"I am calling him right after the show," Terri said, keeping up the act.

But then in all seriousness, she added, "I do love Russell. I really do think the world of him. He loves wildlife, he's very considerate about what we're doing, and is a great guy."

The Irwin family has had to battle rumours about Terri's relationship status since Steve Irwin tragically passed away in September 2006 from a stingray injury.

In May 2017, Bindi Irwin, 20, laughed off reports her mother was dating Russell.

"There's a lot of crazy rumours," she told E! News. "You know we do love Russell, but Mum and Russell aren't actually in love!

"Russell is a wonderful wildlife warrior," Bindi added. "He was a dear friend of Dad's, now a dear friend of ours. He feels like family to us, but Mum and Russell? Just friends. For sure."

In the same month, 54-year-old Russell revealed his affection for Terri, but put a stop to the gossip.

"Terri Irwin is quite frankly one of the most fabulous women on the planet," the Boy Erased star said on Nova 100's Chrissie, Sam and Browny. "She is a beautiful person, an intelligent woman, so hard working, and so honourable."

He went on to say, "Yes, I do love Terri Irwin," but added, "Am I getting married to Terri Irwin? No."

The Irwins had something else to celebrate over the weekend: Robert Irwin's 15th birthday. And in classic Irwin style, Bindi commemorated his birthday with a photo of the siblings holding a giant snake.

"Happy Birthday to my incredible brother, @robertirwinphotography!" his big sister wrote. "I am so proud of you and everything you have achieved. Thank you for being there for me no matter what. We'll always be a team! I can't wait to celebrate with you today."

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