Amity Dry opens up about split to husband Phil Rankine

Amity Dry has opened up for the first time about the “most challenging year” of her life following her shock split from ex-husband Phil Rankine.

Amity Dry and Phil Rankine in happier times. Photo: Calum Robertson

Amity Dry has opened up for the first time about the “most challenging year” of her life following her shock split from ex-husband Phil Rankine.

The couple were loved-up newlyweds when they starred on the inaugural series of The Block in 2003 but after two decades together, announced they’d made the “mutual decision” to separate in February.

“They say in a lot of instances women grieve the end of a relationship while they’re in it so by the time they leave, they’re ready to start moving on. I think that has been true in my experience,” says Amity, whose new cabaret show, Fortified, will premiere at next year’s Adelaide Fringe.

“I don’t think anyone makes that decision quickly or lightly (to split), I think especially when you have a public profile, what people see you as and what you actually are is not always the same thing. When things aren’t great, maintaining a front like we did, certainly, that’s tricky.

“And going through a breakup is hard enough, but when... it is front page of the Sunday Mail, it certainly adds a whole other dimension to the experience.

“It’s definitely been the most challenging (year) of my life.”

Amity Dry and Phil Rankine in happier times. Photo: Calum Robertson.

The 40-year-old mother-of-two says writing her new Fringe show, which is about adjusting to the single life, has been “therapeutic”.

“This is something that a lot of people are going through and I think it’s one of those things we should talk about more,” says Amity, whose recent musicals have dealt with topics such as motherhood, marriage and ageing.

“I want to be open about it and talk about it, as much for my audiences’ sake as mine.”

While she’s “flirted” with the dating scene since the separation, Amity says she’s more than happy being single for now.

“I’m really not looking for a relationship at all yet,” Amity says.

Amity Dry with Phil Rankine on Nine reality show The Block in 2003.

“I hope I find love in the future, definitely, but right now after being married for such a long time, I’m actually loving being single.

“Just being a single person, when I don’t have the kids, having my own time... at first I hated it but I’m learning to quite like it now.”

Tickets: Fortified, Gluttony, February 15-24.