Ex Jodhi is back in James Packer’s close circle

Fashion designer Jodhi Meares has cemented her place in former hubby James Packer’s inner sanctum, after his split with long-time bestie Ben Tilley.

Exclusive: Fashion designer Jodhi Meares has cemented her place in former hubby James Packer’s inner sanctum, after his split with long-time bestie Ben Tilley.

Once said to have been “haunted” by her failed marriage to Packer, Meares, 52, flew home to Sydney this week after spending time with her billionaire ex at his Los Angeles mansion over Christmas and New Year.

The couple, who remained friends following the breakdown of their three-year marriage in 2002, were seen embarking on sweaty power walks in Beverly Hills on December 21 and January 3.

Reps for the billionaire have said Packer has shed more than 55kg since April, when his weight peaked at 170kg and he made a new attempt to address his health issues.

According to US sources, Meares also flew to Aspen over the Christmas period where Packer maintains a lavish home.

Jodhi Meares arrives back at Sydney International Airport. Picture: Jeremy Piper

She had been staying with Packer in LA. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Sources for Packer have confirmed he entertained his three children from his second marriage — Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle — at his up-for-sale LA home the week after Christmas. His children spent the days ahead of Christmas at Byron Bay with their mother Erica Packer and her new partner, Australian chef Shannon Bennett.

A slimmer Packer walking in Beverly Hills, in LA, with Meares. Picture: ROL-Globo/X17online.com

Jodhi Meares gets helps with her bags. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Thursday’s rare sighting of Meares follows talk the model-turned-fashion-designer has become a virtual recluse in her Sydney hometown, from where she runs her athleisure fashion label The Upside.

Meares, who is rarely seen in Sydney, looked happy and relaxed. Picture: Jeremy Piper

As Packer shrewdly began fine-tuning his circle of trusted confidantes last year, editing from his life those with whom he associated “negative experiences” among which — critically — was his Crown Casino dream, Meares found herself elevated in Packer’s circle alongside the billionaire’s second wife, Erica.

His new power circle is these days looking decidedly feminine, with former Sydney gymnasium manager Julie Trethowan — Kerry Packer’s longtime mistress, now in her 60s and living at Barangaroo One where James keeps a lavish apartment — also enjoying his favour and friendship.