RUSSELL CROWE - CROWE UPSET WITH MEDIA.S HIGH INTEREST IN HIS WEDDING

Actor RUSSELL CROWE is furious with the media's relentless attempts to spy on his extra-private upcoming wedding in Australia.

Reporters and photographers have been trying to peek at the preparations for the GLADIATOR star's wedding to his belle DANIELLE SPENCER - mostly from helicopters hovering over the OSCAR-winner's sprawling ranch.

Crowe's publicist, WENDY DAY, says news crews' attempts to cover tomorrow's (07APR03) nuptials are "irresponsible and outrageous".

She says, "The council has even acknowledged that these guys (helicopter operators), if you pay them enough, they'll be daredevils, they'll go below the safety line. Frankly, I just think it's irresponsible and outrageous."

Crowe will marry Spencer on his 39th birthday in the family chapel on his ranch in the lush hills near Coffs Harbour, a resort town halfway between east coast cities Sydney and Brisbane.

The Hollywood A-lister tried unsuccessfully to impose a no-fly zone over his ranch because of the expected attendance of Texas Governor RICK PERRY, but he promised to release pictures of the ceremony for free to the media.

Day says the wedding will include about 80 close friends and family members, but no Hollywood stars.