Daily Mail takes a look back at some of the most surprising celebrity breakups and unexpected new romances of 2025.
It was a year that proved even Hollywood’s most solid unions were not immune to change.
From shock splits after decades together to eyebrow-raising rebounds and headline-grabbing hook-ups, these were the relationships that had everyone talking.
Breakups:
They were one of Australia’s most enduring power couples, but after 19 years of marriage, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban quietly went their separate ways.
Daily Mail confirmed the Oscar-winning actress, 58, and the country music superstar, 57, split following months of growing distance fuelled by relentless work schedules.
They were one of Australia’s most enduring power couples, but after 19 years of marriage, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban quietly went their separate ways. (Pictured in May 2025)
An insider revealed the couple had been living increasingly separate lives, with Kidman filming back-to-back international projects while Urban remained on the road touring.
‘Keith never sees Nicole, either she is filming or he is on tour,’ the source said.
‘There was a lot of love between the two and they might not divorce, but there is a world that they both live where neither of them are in it.
‘Keith and Nicole have been together for decades and there is a world which they can reconcile, but the way their pairing is now, it is not a couple.’
The pair share two daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14.
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness
Another Australian fairy tale came to an end when Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced the breakdown of their marriage after 27 years together.
In a joint statement, the couple said their decision was made with love and respect.
Another Australian fairytale came to an end when Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness announced the breakdown of their marriage after 27 years together. (Pictured in April 2023)
‘We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,’ they said.
‘Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.’
They added that their family remained their top priority as they navigated the next chapter of their lives.
The former couple signed the statement as ‘Deb and Hugh Jackman’ and confirmed it would be the only comment they would make publicly.
Jackman, 56, and Furness, 69, share two children, Oscar, 23, and Ava, 18.
Holly Valance and Nick Candy
Former Neighbours star Holly Valance split from billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy after 13 years of marriage, following what friends described as a ‘long time living separate lives‘.
The actress-turned-political commentator, 42, married the Reform Party treasurer, 52, in 2012 and the couple share two daughters, Luka, 11, and Nova, seven.
Former Neighbours star Holly Valance split from billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy after 13 years of marriage, following what friends described as a ‘long time living separate lives’. Pictured together 2022
Sources close to the pair said the demands of Candy’s international business interests had placed ongoing strain on the marriage.
‘They have been living separate lives for a long time, he’s travelling a lot,’ a source told MailOnline.
‘Nick has businesses in Dubai and London, and his political commitments.’
A family friend added that despite the split, the couple remained focused on co-parenting.
‘The joint parenting of their two amazing daughters remains their top priority,’ they said.
Anthony LaPaglia and Alexandra Henkel
Anthony LaPaglia’s third marriage reportedly came to an end this year, with Alexandra Henkel filing for divorce after seven years together.
Court documents reveal Henkel cited irreconcilable differences and listed September 11 as the date of separation.
Without a Trace alum Anthony LaPaglia’s third wife Alexandra Henkel reportedly filed for divorce from him after seven years of marriage (pictured in 2023)
The University of Melbourne graduate is seeking spousal support and requested the division of proceeds from the sale of the couple’s Los Angeles home, while also asking to retain her engagement ring, Rolex watch and other jewellery.
The split raised eyebrows after LaPaglia, 66, posted on Instagram in July about ‘culling my personal watch collection’, claiming hundreds were being sold.
The Australian actor, who is father to 22-year-old daughter Bridget from his marriage to Gia Carides, has not publicly commented on the divorce.
Curiously, LaPaglia posted on Instagram July 17 that he was ‘culling my personal watch collection… a small selection of 250 have gotta go!’
The Australian couple had no children, but the Frasier alum is father to 22-year-old daughter Bridget with his second ex-wife Gia Carides.
Erik Thomson and Caitlin McDougall
Packed to the Rafters star Erik Thomson and wife Caitlin McDougall quietly ended their marriage after nearly 25 years together.
The pair, who met in a pub in 1997 and married two years later, stopped following each other on social media and have not been photographed together in over two years.
Packed to the Rafters star Erik Thomson and wife Caitlin McDougall quietly ended their marriage after nearly 25 years together
Actors Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher (pictured in 2017) announced they had finalised their £120 million divorce on Friday night
Thomson, 57, is believed to have relocated to Tasmania, while McDougall remained in Port Willunga, South Australia, where she works as an artist from her coastal studio.
They share two children, daughter Eilish, 15, and son Magnus, 12.
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen
One of Hollywood’s most private couples confirmed their £120 million divorce was finalised in June.
In a joint Instagram statement, Isla Fisher, 49, and Sacha Baron Cohen, 53, said they remained committed to co-parenting their children and maintaining mutual respect.
The pair first met in 2001 and married in 2010, before quietly separating in 2023.
Sia and Daniel Bernad
Singer Sia filed for divorce from husband Dan Bernad in March, revealing a deeply personal secret in court documents
Court documents seen by Daily Mail revealed a major bombshell: last year she secretly welcomed a child into their family.
The child, named Somersault Wonder Bernad, was born on March 27, 2024.
Sia was asking for legal and physical custody of Somersault but would consider ‘visitation rights’ for Bernad.
The 49-year-old singer, born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, filed for divorce after 26 months of being married.
In the paperwork it is stated she had separated from Dan only the day before.
Before marrying Bernad, Sia became a mom when she adopted two teenage boys in 2019.
Both were 18 years old at the time and about to age out of the foster care system.
Tammy Hembrow and Matt Zukowski
Fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow’s fairytale wedding to Love Island star Matt Zukowski unravelled in less than a year
Comedian and author Em Rusciano revealed her marriage to Scott Barrow had officially ended in her memoir Blood Sweat and Glitter
Fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow’s fairytale wedding to Love Island star Matt Zukowski unravelled in less than a year.
The pair tied the knot in a lavish Byron Bay ceremony in late 2023 but confirmed their split after months of speculation, hinting at personal struggles behind closed doors.
Em Rusciano and Scott Barrow
Comedian and author Em Rusciano revealed her marriage to Scott Barrow had officially ended in her memoir Blood Sweat and Glitter.
The 46-year-old said a late ADHD and autism diagnosis, along with perimenopause, had fundamentally changed her life and her relationship.
‘My relationship with Scott changed, which is probably not surprising, because I changed entirely,’ she revealed.
She also revealed the couple officially parted ways in November last year, admitting: ‘I’m way better than I was when it first happened.’
Em, who shares three children – Marchella, 24, Odette, 18, and Elio, six, added the couple will continue to co-parent their youngest, Elio.
Gold Coast influencer Tammy Hembrow and AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith set tongues wagging when they were spotted packing on the PDA on a dinner date
‘We’re still a family, it’s just a different shape. We’re still very much involved in each other’s lives,’ she said.
Hook-ups:
Tammy Hembrow and Bailey Smith
Gold Coast influencer Tammy Hembrow raised eyebrows across social media this year when she was spotted stepping out with AFL star Bailey Smith, igniting rumours of a budding romance.
The pair were photographed enjoying a series of stylish outings, from chic dinner dates at waterfront restaurants to relaxed beachside strolls under the Queensland sun, where playful embraces and flirtatious laughter suggested more than friendship.
Hembrow, 31, stunned in a figure-skimming linen dress and sun-kissed glow, while Smith cut a casual but polished figure in designer denim and crisp sneakers.
Despite Smith, 25, later describing their connection as ‘just friends’, their chemistry set tongues wagging, with fans questioning whether their closeness was genuine or a clever publicity play tied to a Tinder campaign.
Jackie O Henderson and DJ Richard Ryan
Jackie O Henderson sent shockwaves through Sydney’s social circles this year after being photographed passionately kissing DJ Richard Ryan on the balcony of her Clovelly home
KIIS FM breakfast host Jackie O Henderson sent shockwaves through Sydney’s social circles this year after being photographed passionately kissing DJ Richard Ryan on the balcony of her Clovelly home.
The intimate snaps showed the radio star in a sleek black blazer and glossy lips leaning in close to the wiry-haired DJ, whose hands rested casually on her waist.
The PDA came as a shock to many when news emerged that Ryan’s former girlfriend, a Sydney-based cardiologist, was reportedly left devastated upon seeing the images overseas.
Friends claimed the cardiologist, who had hoped for reconciliation, felt blindsided by the public display.
The pair were later seen sharing drinks at a trendy Sydney bar, where Jackie O’s trademark wit and Ryan’s laid-back charm ensured they were the centre of attention.
Braith Anasta and Sara Bray
Former NRL star Braith Anasta was spotted publicly reconnecting with Sydney publicist Sara Bray after his split from fiancée Rachael Lee.
The pair enjoyed a long lunch at a sun-drenched outdoor restaurant, with Bray looking effortlessly chic in a flowing polka-dot blouse and oversized sunglasses, and Anasta relaxed in a crisp white shirt and tailored chinos.
Braith Anasta has officially moved on following his split from fiancée Rachael Lee, with the former NRL star rekindling a romance from his past. Pictured with Sara Bray
Bray shared a candid photo to social media with a glass of rosé in hand, writing: ‘He makes me happy 20 years later.’
Comment sections filled rapidly with fans applauding the unlikely reunion, many recalling the pair’s earlier relationship in the 2000s.
Close friends say the chemistry between them has been palpable from the moment they rekindled contact, and the relaxed atmosphere of their lunch suggested a relationship moving quickly out of the friend zone.
Mark Beretta and Renata Hickson
Sunrise favourite Mark Beretta has ushered in a new chapter in his love life, stepping out publicly with partner Renata Hickson in recent weeks.
The 59-year-old sports presenter was spotted arm-in-arm with Renata strolling around Sydney’s Balmoral, the pair looking completely at ease and ‘very loved up’, with her dog in tow.
Beretta has since made the romance Instagram-official with a heartfelt tribute to Renata, thanking her for her ‘unwavering support’ through a difficult year that included the death of his father and his mother’s ongoing health battle.
In the post, he praised her kindness, resilience and positive presence, signalling this is more than a casual fling.
Sunrise favourite Mark Beretta has ushered in a new chapter in his love life, stepping out publicly with partner Renata Hickson in recent weeks
Renata, who has been by his side at red carpet events and airport departures for romantic getaways, cut a relaxed but stylish figure on their time away together, wearing a bold tiger-print shirt and denim skirt as they jetted out of Sydney.
Their connection appears strong, with close friends noting she has been a meaningful source of comfort and companionship as Beretta transitions out of his long-running role on Sunrise.
Emily Seebohm with new partner
Olympic champion Emily Seebohm confirmed her new relationship with boyfriend Brandon Caust in a glowing Instagram reveal that captivated her followers.
In one standout shot, Seebohm dazzled in a sparkling cocktail dress beside Caust in a tailored suit, both beaming with joy under the flashbulbs.
Other photos showed the couple relaxed at dinner, and even blending family life as Caust posed affectionately with Seebohm’s two-year-old son, Sampson, whom she shares with ex-fiancé Ryan Gallagher.
Fans hailed the post as one of Seebohm’s most heartfelt, celebrating her confidence and happiness in this new chapter.
Olympic champion Emily Seebohm confirmed her new relationship with boyfriend Brandon Caust in a glowing Instagram reveal that captivated her followers
It comes after her ex Ryan finally confirmed their split following months of it being an open secret (Pictured: Ryan Gallagher and his son Sampson, who he shares with Emily)
