Mitchell Pearce and Kristin Scott: How fairytale romance became wedding nightmare

Mitchell Pearce could not have appeared more besotted with his impending bride before their shock wedding cancellation.

She’s the beautiful ballet dancer who many believed had tamed one of rugby league’s wild men.

But the fairytale romance between Newcastle Knights star Mitchell Pearce and Kristin Scott is suddenly in strife after their last-minute wedding cancellation.

Footy fans were stunned when The Daily Telegraph revealed the pair’s big day had been called off just days out from the event after he allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a young female employee working at his club.

The bombshell came just a week after Pearce, 31, had told the Newcastle News how excited he was to be marrying Scott.

“It will be the best time of our life and I can’t wait,” he said.

But with their big day now on hold, Pearce told The Daily Telegraph the scandal that was seeing them live out every couple’s nightmare was “really stressful”.

WHO IS KRISTIN SCOTT?

From Wollongong on the NSW south coast, Scott started dancing at age 10 and went on to study ballet full-time.

After completing her studies, she danced in Broadway-style shows on board the Royal Caribbean International cruise ship which travelled through Europe and also has a long list of TV credits, including the teen drama Dance Academy and Puberty Blues. She has also worked as a back-up dancer on The Voice and X-Factor Australia.

Kristin Scott is a classically trained dancer.

Mitchell Pearce regularly comments about how lucky he is when he posts photos with Kristin Scott.

But after meeting Pearce she settled in Newcastle and recently launched her own Barre studio.

“Kristin is doing all the classes, she’s the one who has set up all the programs, she’s been amazing with it,” Pearce told the Newcastle News.

“She’s a really smart girl and she has put a lot of effort into it, I’m really proud.”

HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN TOGETHER?

Pearce and Scott began dating early last year and went public with their relationship last May.

Many at the Knights credited Scott with helping Pearce grow from a trouble-plagued ratbag to a mature leader.

They travelled the world together, holidaying in places like Bali and New York, before she moved to be with him in Newcastle.

“She is an awesome girl,” Pearce told The Daily Telegraph in February. “I’m feeling very settled in my life.

“She’s a beautiful girl and I’m looking forward to sharing our future together.

“There is stability. We get along great and we’re best friends. It’s only been a year but we’ve spoken about our future together and we’re excited about it.”

In April this year Pearce popped the question, describing their engagement as “the best day of my life”.

Scott was ecstatic too. “Life has just fallen into place,” she wrote after accepting his proposal. “I cannot wait to be your wife.”

Scott shows off an engagement ring that was estimated to be worth $40,000.

COVID made wedding planning difficult for everyone in 2020 but they had everything in place and a few days out from their big day Pearce was even asked about when they would be starting a family.

“I’d love to have kids but we’re just enjoying the ride at the moment,” Pearce told the Newcastle News.

“Look forward to the wedding and I’m sure we’ll have kids at one point.”

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT THE TEXTS?

The messages Pearce allegedly sent to the young woman were described as “flirty”.

A source close to the Knights said: “There’s been nothing physical, just stupidity on Mitchell’s behalf with a young girl who works at the club. A lot of people are upset about it.”

Knights media boss Frank Barrett told the Telegraph the club is “aware of the issue but it’s a private matter that stays between the two individuals”.

Pearce also hit back when contacted by the paper, saying the pair hadn’t cancelled but rather postponed their nuptials.

“It’s Covid mate … and it’s private,” he said. “We’re sorting things out. It’s a really stressful time for us. It’s our business, no-one else’s.”

The Knights skipper and Scott had been planning to host a Christmas meal at their home but instead spent it separately with their families.

Originally published as Mitchell Pearce and Kristin Scott: How fairytale romance became wedding nightmare