The 25-year-old model - who pulled out of the planned wedding, just days before the ceremony was due to take place - reportedly approached various publications asking for a $500,000 media deal to go through with the plan, which would have seen the Playboy boss humiliated while waiting for her.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "Crystal wanted to ditch Hef at the altar. Her plan was to walk up the aisle and say she couldn`t go through with it. The wedding was to be filmed for a reality special, and her refusal to marry him would be a sensation.

"She was looking for a tie-in deal of around $500,000 for the exclusive `I ditched Hef at the altar` interview. While there was interest, Crystal didn`t get an offer anywhere near half a million."

However, insiders insist the aspiring singer`s plan not to go through with the wedding was not just financially motivated.

Kristina Shannon - who along with her twin Karissa began dating the media mogul around the same time as Crystal before being dumped 18 months ago so Hugh could have an exclusive relationship - claimed the blonde beauty was bored of "watching classic movies every night", adding the Playboy mansion can become a "nightmare" if you are unprepared to do as Hugh wishes.

She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Living in the Playboy Mansion is like being in a golden prison. It should be every girl`s dream

"But if you`re not willing to do exactly what Hef says it can become a nightmare."

The July issue of Playboy magazine has already been printed with a lead story of "introducing Mrs Crystal Hefner", depicting the former bride-to-be wearing her ex-fiance`s trademark sailor cap, and 85-year-old Hugh has revealed it will now feature a special sticker addition.

He tweeted: "Recent events call for a special sticker on the July cover. Look for it on newsstands.(sic)" before providing a link which showed the magazine with "Runaway bride in this issue" emblazoned over the image.
sections: Celebrities