Russell Crowe, 62, shows off his slimmed-down frame as he holds hands with partner Britney Theriot, 42, at the Taormina Film Festival

Russell Crowe showed off his slimmed-down frame in a smart black suit as he held hands with glamorous partner Britney Theriot at the 72nd Taormina Film Festival.

The Gladiator star, 62, and his stunning partner, 42, looked more loved-up than ever as they arrived at the Italian festival walking hand-in-hand. 

Russell showed off his recent weight loss in a dapper black suit and matching tie after revealing he has shed 26 kilos.

Meanwhile Britney, who has been dating the actor for six years, looked incredible in a navy plunging gown which she teamed with strappy black heels. 

Styling her blonde tresses in waves, the actress accessorised with a simple dazzling necklace and toted her belongings in a black clutch. 

Previously Russell has clarified the age difference between him and his girlfriend Britney after incorrect reports.

The 62-year-old Gladiator star stepped in after it was claimed Britney, whom he's been dating for six years, was 30 years younger than him.

'I have clarified this on many occasions, but some people prefer the fiction,' he wrote on X. 'It is so ungentlemanly to do this. However, my lovely Britney is 42 years of age. I am 61.'

Reflecting on their ages, Russell added: 'An 18-year age difference isn't that scandalous in my opinion, and it's nobody's business what other people's lives are. If two people love each other, age doesn't matter!'

Russell has undergone a significant weight loss over the past year, revealing on the Joe Rogan podcast recently that he has shed 26kg.

The actor also revealed that while he still enjoys a drink, he has drastically cut down his alcohol intake.

During the chat, the heavy-set superstar confessed that when he completed his latest film, Nuremberg, he was a hefty 126kg.

'I'm 100.9 now,' he said, clearly pleased with his new look.

Crowe said he was assisted in his transformation by health services platform Way2Well.

The Beautiful Mind actor, who said he is carrying injuries from his physical roles over the years, admitted to receiving injections as part of a wellness program.

'I'm not really across the science, but the real benefit I'm getting from these into my shoulders, my knees and also IVs, is that it's calmed down my body's inflammation,' he said.

Meanwhile, Russell's romance with Britney is going strong.

The couple went red carpet official in October 2022 at the Rome premiere of Russell's movie Poker Face, following the start of their romance in November 2020.

Before striking up an intimate connection, the pair had initially met on the set of the thriller Broken City in 2013.

A New Orleans native, Britney is a former actress and previous Saints cheerleader.

Crowe opened up about his relationship with his much younger girlfriend on 60 Minutes.

In a surprisingly candid interview with Karl Stefanovic, the Oscar winner dismissed claims he was engaged to his partner of six years.

The divorced father-of-two, who was previously wed to singer Danielle Spencer, explained that he never intends to marry again.

'All these reports coming out that Britney and I are engaged and I'm going to get married again? No,' he said.

'My life is joyous and happy, why ruin that with a wedding?' the Oscar-winner joked.

Russell dished intimate details about his life with his US-born ladylove, telling viewers that they were 'very good friends' who enjoy a 'wonderful' relationship.

'We respect each other and wake up with a smile, and we are very happy,' he said, adding that they 'do everything together'.

Russell was previously married to Spencer from 2003 until they separated in 2012, with their divorce finalised in 2018.

The exes share sons Charles and Tennyson.