Qld high profile celebrity splits and divorces over the years

Divorces are sadly a part of life – and Queensland isn’t immune, as these high-profile cases prove. SEE THE LIST

Queensland celebrity couples who have split

Divorces are sadly a part of life – and Queensland isn’t immune.

As Hugh Jackman’s split from soon-to-be ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness threatens to turn nasty, we revisit some of the high profile separations featuring Queenslanders in recent years.

While some remain amicable, all caused headlines.

See the list below >>>

Jacqui and Wally Lewis in 2015.

Wally Lewis and Jacqui Lewis

Rugby league legend Wally Lewis’s 2021 divorce from his wife of 36 years, Jacqui, garnered significant attention.

The situation intensified when Lewis’s relationship with Lynda Adams became public, leading to a family rift.

Reports indicated that his children sided with their mother, and tensions persisted, especially as Lewis remarried in 2025.

It was understood Lewis’ three adult children — Mitchell, Lincoln, and Jamie-Lee — did not attend.

Radio star Robin Bailey and Olivier Massart.

Robin Bailey and Olivier Massart

While not married, Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey ended her relationship with Belgian partner Olivier Massart live on air in 2024.

Bailey cited issues relating to Massart’s earlier split from a previous partner as the reason, expressing that the complexities left no space for their relationship to flourish.

However within weeks Bailey confirmed she had reunited with her Belgian boyfriend.

Emma and Ben Roberts-Smith in 2019.

Ben Roberts-Smith and Emma Groom

Decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith’s marriage to Emma Groom ended in 2020 amid allegations of infidelity by Roberts-Smith.

The break-up was further complicated by legal battles, including Roberts-Smith’s unsuccessful lawsuit against Groom over alleged access to his emails, resulting in him being ordered to pay her legal costs.

On retirement from the army in 2015, the couple moved to Queensland but in April 2018 Groom discovered Roberts-Smith’s affair with a woman known as “Person 17” in the defamation trial.

The woman reportedly showed up at Groom’s house and showed her hundreds of messages sent by Roberts-Smith.

Daniel and Suzie Lightfoot in 2000.

Suzie and Daniel Lightfoot

Daniel and Suzie Lightfoot were the Kim and Kanye of ’90s Brisbane.

They married when she was 23 and for the next several years life was filled by modelling, parties, and a decision at 28 to return to diving, following a successful knee repair.

“When the divorce happened, I ended up being ‘Suzie Who?’, she said.

She later revealed she was suffering depression. Following her much-loved father’s death, a brief and disastrous second marriage to a Danish businessman did not help.

Wayne Bennett with Trish in 1992.

Wayne Bennett and Trish Veivers

Rugby league super coach Wayne Bennett in 2023 broke his silence on the breakdown of his 42-year marriage and his secret affair, shedding tears as he described ex-wife Trish as a “special person”.

Bennett’s revelations came as his new long-term partner, Dale Cage, opened up on her own heartache, claiming she has wrongly been labelled a homewrecker and a victim of social-media abuse for the past seven years.

In his book, The Wolf You Feed, Bennett spoke for the first time about his bust-up with Trish, his affair with Dale, and their roles in Australian sport’s bizarre love triangle.

Australian swimmer Lisa Curry and husband ironman Grant Kenny in 1987.

Lisa Curry and Grant Kenny

Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry and ironman champion Grant Kenny were one of Australia’s most celebrated sporting couples.

They married in 1986 and had three children together. After 23 years of marriage, they announced their separation in 2009.

“We could have probably separated years before that. And you make all the reasons why you shouldn’t separate about everyone else,” Curry said years later.

“Sometimes we hang in there because we’re happy enough. But is being ‘happy enough’ what you really want? And is it enough?”

Despite their split, they continued to co-own the Curry Kenny Aviation Group.

Christine Anu and Simon Deutrom.

Christine Anu and Simon Deutrom

Renowned singer Christine Anu married her childhood sweetheart, Simon Deutrom, in 2010. However, the couple separated in 2016 after six years of marriage.

Taking to Facebook to announce the break-up to fans, the then 46-year-old wrote in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we confirm that we have separated.”

Cairns-born Anu has two children from previous relationships, including a daughter with actor Rodger Corser.

Nic Bideau with Cathy Freeman in 1996.

Cathy Freeman and Nic Bideau

Nic Bideau, a journalist and later athletics manager, played a significant role in Mackay-born Freeman’s career, helping her move to Melbourne.

After Freeman won the 1997 World Championship 400m title, their relationship began to decline.

Their relationship ultimately ended, and Bideau later sued Freeman for breach of contract and sought a share of her earnings.

The legal dispute was eventually settled, with both parties releasing statements expressing their desire to move forward.

Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher.

Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen

Actress Isla Fisher, who hails from Perth but has strong ties to Queensland, and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen announced their separation in 2024 after more than two decades together. Fisher has since been approached for a TV series about a Gold Coast “funeral crasher,” indicating ongoing professional engagements in Queensland.

After an amicable start, Fisher in an interview credited her female friendships for helping her through the split.

This was reported to have “hit a nerve” with Sacha, who interpreted her comments as a thinly veiled show of solidarity with Australian actress Rebel Wilson.

Wilson had recently made explosive accusations in her autobiography, alleging Sacha had sexually harassed her during their work together—a claim he vehemently denied.

Originally published as Qld high profile celebrity splits and divorces over the years