Natalie Bassingthwaighte has opened up on her personal life after divorcing her husband of 12 years, revealing she’s now in a relationship with a woman.
The former Neighbours actress and Rogue Traders singer made the revelation in Stellar magazine’s Something To Talk About podcast.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Natalie Bassingthwaighte at Oaks Day.
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Bassingthwaighte recently split from her second husband, Rogue Traders bandmate Cameron McGlinchey, who share two children.
“We had a very successful marriage. It was very beautiful,” she said.
“We’ve done amazing things together, achieved a lot and have two incredible children.
“We admire and respect each other, and there’s love there.
“It’s just different.”
The entertainer went on to talk about her new relationship with an unnamed woman, whom she said “makes my heart smile and makes me happy”.
She added that at first she felt “terrified” about revealing she was in a same-sex relationship - so she rang her former husband for advice.
“I rang Cam and I was hysterical,” she said.
“And he said, ‘It’s OK. This is your truth and you now have to sit in it and stand in it and own it’.
“So to have that support from him has been nothing short of beautiful, and I’m very grateful for it.”
Bassingthwaighte added that before going public with the relationship she feared she and her new partner would be photographed in public - but now she felt liberated.
“Everything is OK, and everyone is OK. We’re in a good space. It feels liberating,” she said.
“But before? It’s terrifying and it’s debilitating because you’re waiting for someone to snap a picture of you and make it salacious.
“To live like that is … oh, it’s not fun.
“And I’ve been doing that for a little while now.
“So it’s nice to say it.”
Bassingthwaighte remains close friends with her former husband - so much so that they still live in the same house together.
They have also taken their children on holidays together since splitting.
“It’s a little bit crazy considering everything, but we’re doing it,” she said., adding that she wanted to send her children an important message.
“If I can continue to show our kids that life isn’t perfect, it will throw some things at you but, ultimately, if you stand in integrity and with love, respect and kindness for everyone around you – including yourself – then it will radiate,” she said.
On Instagram, fans flocked to the comments section of a recent post to send her good wishes in her new relationship.
“Huge respect for standing up for what feels true and right for you, you’ve no doubt inspired sooooooo many others to dig deep and step forward into their truth,” one follower wrote.
“Happy for you my beautiful friend,” wrote another.
“The queer community has always appreciated your allyship and support, so I hope you feel it returned to you today,” wrote a third.
“How proud we are of you! Welcome home. 🌈”
Added another: “Well done for having the courage to be honest with yourself and thank you for sharing your story.”
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