GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA - RIGAU CONFIRMS: THE WEDDING'S OFF

RIGAU CONFIRMS: THE WEDDING'S OFF

LATEST: Italian actress GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA's ex-fiance JAVIER RIGAU Y RAFOLS has confirmed reports the couple have called off their wedding, and is launching legal action against several European publications. The 79-year-old actress and her Spanish beau, 45, were set to wed on 27 January (07) after dating for 22 years. However, yesterday (06DEC06) the ANSA news agency quoted Lollobrigida saying the marriage had been cancelled and blamed excessive media attention. In a statement, Rigau says, "(I) will always love and respect Gina." His lawyer JAVIER SAAVEDRA says his client was disgusted by the "constant, unfounded and unlawful" interference in his personal life and is planning to sue over defamatory stories in the press about him and ex-fiancee. Lollobrigida also plans to file legal action against media firms in Italy and Spain.