With Hugh Jackman having now gone public with new girlfriend Sutton Foster, fans of the actor are being reminded of a confession his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness made about their split.
The former couple announced their divorce in September 2023, with a statement declaring that the pair 'decided to separate to pursue our individual growth'.
As we say, 56-year-old Australian actor Jackman has this week seemingly confirmed his new romance with Broadway star Foster, 49, following mass speculation the pair were dating behind the scenes.
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At an event in Santa Monica, California earlier this week (6 Jan), the duo - who previously starred together in the 2022 revival of The Music Man -were seen holding hands and chatting intimately.
Speaking about the opportunity to work closely, Foster previously gushed over her new man, telling PEOPLE Magazine: "He's one of the greatest guys ever, an incredible co-star."
And during another, joint appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers to promote their latest project, she added: "The show is so joyful, and I’m having the time of my life playing opposite this guy."
Jackman also chimed in: "This is a six-time Tony nominee, two-time winner. Like, I saw her do Thoroughly Modern Millie when you were like four years old. But I’ve watched everything she's done. It’s amazing."
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As we say, however, news of the new couple going public has prompted some fans of the Wolverine actor to look back at an unexpected statement Jackman's former flame made about their divorce.
A year after their split was finalised, Furness, 68, spoke to press about her return to the acting world, having then been cast in the thriller-mystery flick The Dry 2.
Promoting the film, she opened up to the Daily Telegraph, revealing what she was looking forward to both professionally and personally.
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"It is kind of exciting. You know what, change, transition, evolution is a little frightening and we are all a bit scared of it but I think it is probably our greatest gift."
Speaking about the film, the mum-of-two - who shares Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18, with her actor ex - explained: "For me it was a strong female ensemble cast, a great director, I love Eric (Bana), it was coming home to Australia to shoot in the wilds.
"There were so many appealing factors for me and a great script by Jane Harper and director Robert Connolly."
Jackman and Furness first met back in 1995 on the set of the Aussie prison drama Correlli.
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Furness starred as lead Louisa Corelli at the time - a prison psychologist hired at an all-male prison before forming a connection with hardened criminal, Kevin Jones, played by Jackman.
In the years that followed, the couple tied the knot, before welcoming Oscar in 2000 and then adopting Ava in 2005.
As we say, however, announcing their split in 2023, they wrote on social media: "We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage."
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The exes continued: "Our family has been and always will be our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.
"We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition in all of our lives."
They concluded with by signing off with 'Deb and Hugh Jackman', adding: "This is the sole statement either of us will make."
Rhianna Benson