‘Gone separate ways’: Aussie star confirms split from AFL girlfriend
A popular couple among Melbourne’s social scene have announced their break-up – just weeks after denying rumours they’d “quietly split”.
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Former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil has confirmed her split from AFL star Moana Hope, leaving fans heartbroken at the news.
After months of speculation, Thattil revealed she and her girlfriend of 18 months had “decided to go our separate ways”, and called for space as the pair navigated their lives apart.
“Moana and I have shared a beautiful relationship but wish to share we have decided to go our separate ways,” she shared on an Instagram Stories post.
“We do this with nothing but respect and care for one another and will always support each other. Thank you for all the love and support.”
Hope later shared an almost identical statement to her own Instagram account.
Supporters have been quick to flood social media, sending Thattil and Hope their best wishes as well as sharing their shock at what many described as a “sudden split”.
“Change can be hard, but sometimes it leads to new beginnings. Best wishes to them,” one wrote on Facebook.
“My heart is broken,” shared another, while one said: “I’m in shock.”
Thattil’s post comes after Daily Telegraph’s Confidential claimed the pair had “quietly split after several weeks of rumours of a break-up that started when the pair did not spend Christmas together”.
Hope, 37, reportedly last shared a photo of the couple together on social media nine weeks ago while the AFL star last appeared on her girlfriend’s feed on December 31 during a recap of her 2024.
Thattil, 32, had previously denied claims the pair had broken up, telling Confidential on January 13: “I’m not single. ‘I’ve seen rumours... but that’s honestly all it is.
“We are good and excited for the year ahead. Excited for 2025 together and it’s going to be great.”
The pair who are based in Melbourne were living separately after going public with their romance in September 2023.
Hope is mum to two children from a previous relationship with model Isabella Carlstrom.
Thattil previously described her relationship with Hope as “amazing, and challenging, and growing me in ways that I’ve never experienced”.
“In the past I thought if I wanted a career, to be that person I thought I needed to be, I needed to sacrifice everything else,” the Neighbours actor told the The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show podcast last year.
“But here I am with real love in my life. With someone I love very much.”
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Originally published as ‘Gone separate ways’: Aussie star confirms split from AFL girlfriend
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