Russell Crowe publicly gushes over Terri Irwin

Russell Crowe and Terri Irwin have denied any romantic rumors with each other in the past.

But it seems he is happy to publicly show his admiration for the 52-year-old mother of two.

On January 23, national hugging day, the Wildlife Warrior shared a picture of herself and late husband Steve Irwin, wishing her followers a happy national hugging day.

The Hollywood actor, also 52, retweeted the blonde beauty saying: 'Terri... you have kept his [Steve Irwin's] love and ambitions relevant... you're amazing.'

A source told New Idea that it was the Academy Award winner's way of praising Terri for keeping Steve's legacy alive a decade on from his death.

'It was his way of telling the world he adores her.'

'Russell has so much respect for Steve, and the kids, so this post was all about being delicate as well as confirming his feelings for Terri,' the source added.

In the past a representative for Terri revealed to Daily Mail Australia that the pair were just good friends.

'There is no romantic link at all between Terri and Russell. Once again, these reports are completely false,' they said.

And a spokesperson from Australia Zoo has also told Daily Mail Australia: 'Terri and Russell are no romantic links at all and Russell still supports Australia Zoo and Steve's legacy.'

- Daily Mail