Russell Crowe ‘flirty with Joel’s ex’

Russell Crowe has reportedly been spotted “intensely” flirting with Billy Joel’s ex-wife.

The Les Misérables actor is believed to have split from his wife Danielle Spencer earlier this year. It seems Russell is embracing his single status, after he was seen with stunning celebrity chef Katie Lee.

According to the New York Post, Russell and Katie shared a tender hug in front of a fireplace at the Drawing Room of the Greenwich Hotel in New York City in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“They seemed to be in an intense flirtatious conversation,” a source told the publication. “They looked really into each other.”

Katie and Russell were apparently seen in the same hotel later that day.

“Katie was still at the hotel Sunday afternoon,” the source added. “She was seen with Crowe at the same fireplace at about 2pm.”

Russell is spending time in New York while he films new fantasy movie Winter’s Tale, which also stars Will Smith and Colin Farrell.

Russell is believed to have been spending a lot of time with the brunette, but they are just “seeing each other casually”. Katie, 31, was also apparently present for Russell’s intimate gig with Alan Doyle at Joe’s Pub in New York City on Saturday night.

“Katie has been seen around with Russell,” an insider explained.

Katie was married to singer Billy for five years until they split in 2009.

In October, it was reported 48-year-old Russell had split from his wife Danielle after a nine-year union.