Russell Crowe ‘splits with wife after nine years’

Russell Crowe is said to have separated from his wife of nine years, according to reports from Sydney, news which has 'shocked' the showbiz world Down Under.

The Australian actor, 48, and his wife Danielle Spencer, 43, married in 2003 and have two children together, Charles and Tennyson, but are said to have become estranged from each other. Their relationship was believed to have been rock solid, so the news of their split has surprised many.

The Oscar-winning actor is believed to have thrown himself into his work filming biblical epic Noah in America and the couple's children are remaining in Danielle's custody for the time being while Russell works abroad.

According to reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the couple's split is amicable and they are both dedicated to protecting their two young boys.

The revealing article also claims that, in the wake of the split, Russell is busying himself with six movies he is currently working on, including Noah, Superman and Les Miserables.

Russell met musician Danielle over 20 years ago and they married nine years ago on the actor's farm in New South Wales.

The couple have yet to comment on the news.

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