Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry put parenthood first after divisive rift

ANTHONY Bell and Kelly Landry, the celebrity couple at the centre of Sydney’s most bitter marriage bust-up, are seeing a parenting counsellor and working on their relationship.

Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry with their daughters this week. Pictures: Sunday Telegraph Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry put parenthood first

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THE celebrity couple at the centre of Sydney’s most bitter marriage bust-up are seeing a parenting counsellor and working on their relationship “for the sake of their children”.

Accountant Anthony Bell and his estranged wife, former TV presenter Kelly Landry, have been attending one-on-one “parenting workshops”, according to friends.

Since the very public court battle in which  Landry  said she felt threatened by Bell, while his camp claimed she had a drinking problem, the pair are said to have been “working on their relationship”.

Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry take their girls to a swimming lesson this week.

Confused friends contacted this week said the reconciliation is purely a co-parenting arrangement for their daughters, Thea and Charlize, but ­others believe Bell and Landry may ­ultimately rekindle their marriage.

The pair are believed to have dined at a secluded table at one of Sydney’s swankiest restaurants and, by the end of the meal, were “holding hands”.

“It’s a bit weird now because everyone sort of has to play nice after sticking by one or the other.”

They also took a family trip to the snowfields, although it is understood they had separate accommodation.

Both Bell and Landry, photographed this week taking the girls to swimming lessons, declined to comment.

The couple are taking counselling “for the sake of their children”. Picture: Sunday Telegraph

But it is understood the couple took the surprising step about three weeks ago with Bell, who moved from their $20 million Watsons Bay home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs as part of their separation, initiating the reconciliation.

It is believed the move came as discussions over the separation and ­co-parenting arrangements had stalled.

One close friend of Bell said the marriage is “well and truly back on”.

Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry with their daughters this week. Pictures: Sunday Telegraph Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry put parenthood first

The couple were recently seen holding hands.

A close friends of Bell said the relationship was back on.

“They both seem remarkably happy, considering what has happened over the past six months,” the friend said. “Certainly there were a few of us that were shocked when we heard.

“But ‘Belly’ seems happy and determined to make it work.”

Another friend said the reunion had thrown up an awkward scenario for many friends who had “picked sides”.

“It’s a bit weird now because everyone sort of has to play nice after sticking by one or the other,” he said.

Anthony Bell has moved out of the couple’s luxury Watson’s Bay home.

“Socially it’s a bit awkward. A few of us have gone from crossing the room when we see (Landry) to now where it’s ‘Oh, hey Kel, how’s it going?’ ”

Landry had tried but failed to obtain a permanent AVO against her husband of six years, accusing him of paying her a weekly stipend that was “less than the nanny”.

The move was ­accompanied by an almost unprecedented public slanging match ­including intimate details of the ­couple’s fractured marriage.

At the height of the showdown Landry claimed in court that Bell was physical on at least two occasions.

Bell’s legal representative Chris Murphy also said: “The defendant doesn’t want to see her again.”

After the AVO application was thrown out, Bell said: “It is absolutely relieving to have gotten the result. In saying that, we’ve got a couple of great children, Kel and I. And my children love their mum very much.”