Deborra-Lee Furness ‘still loves’ her ex-husband Hugh Jackman and is even ‘deliberately trying to forget’ that their romance is over to help deal with their divorce – but she’s also ‘eager to dive into a new relationship’ ‘, insiders have claimed.
The Australian actress, 68, and Hugh, 55, announced their shock split in September after 27 years of marriage, telling fans they were splitting up “to pursue our individual growth.”
Now, a source close to the Shame alum has exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com how she’s coping with the divorce, claiming that “pursuing a life” without her longtime husband has been “very intimidating” for Deborra-Lee — but that ‘leaning on her work’ has been her ‘savior’.
‘It was very intimidating to pursue a life without Hugh. She still loves him even though she knows their romance is over,” they said.
Deborra-Lee Furness ‘still loves’ her ex-husband Hugh Jackman even though ‘she knows their romance is over’ – but is ‘eager to dive into a new relationship’. Pictured last year
A source close to the Shame alum exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that ‘pursuing life’ without her longtime husband has been ‘very intimidating’ for Deborra-Lee (pictured this week)
“It’s every emotion every day. Happy, sad, angry, confused – and she even deliberately tries to forget that it’s even over (sometimes), whatever makes her feel better at that moment.
‘She takes it day by day, but don’t feel sorry for her. She is also a very strong woman and will get through it.”
The insider revealed that despite how difficult it has been, Deborra-Lee is “excited” to eventually find “love again.”
“She’s taking it slow but trying to embrace her new normal,” they continued.
“Instead of romance, she has used her job as a lifeline as she moves on with life without Hugh.
“She’s eager and excited, yet anxious at the same time, to dive into relationship and love again.
‘She has to find herself again and then everything else will fall into place. It will take some time, but she is getting better every day.”
DailyMail.com has contacted a representative for Deborra-Lee for comment.
Deborra-Lee and Hugh announced their separation last year, explaining at the time that they wanted to “pursue individual growth.”
The Australian actress, 68, and the Greatest Showman star, 55, confirmed in September that they were splitting after 27 years of marriage. Pictured at the Met Gala in May 2023
The insider revealed that despite how difficult it has been, Deborra-Lee is ‘excited’ to eventually find ‘love again’
“We are blessed to have had a beautiful, loving marriage together for almost three decades,” the couple said in a statement People.
“Our journey is now changing and we have decided to part ways to pursue our individual growth.
‘Our family is and will remain our highest priority. We undertake this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family goes through this transition.”
The couple married in 1996 after meeting on the set of Correlli in 1995. During their marriage, they adopted two children: son Oscar, 23, and daughter Ava, 18.
Earlier this week, Deborra-Lee opened up about what the future holds for her following their shock split.
She admitted The Daily Telegraph: ‘Change, transition, evolution is a little scary and we’re all a little afraid of it, but I think it’s probably our greatest gift.’
The star added that scoring a role alongside Eric Bana in his new film Force of Nature: The Dry 2 has helped her stay busy.
DailyMail.com previously revealed that Hugh also threw himself into work and was ‘scammed’ in a bid to distract himself from the breakdown of his marriage.
“Hugh is completely focused on Deadpool 3 and Wolverine getting into shape,” a source exclusively revealed in November. ‘That means that he no longer hangs out with his ex and that he can no longer date.
“He’s excited to be back at work and is excited to focus all his attention on that.”
An insider said this earlier AND that there is ‘no animosity’ between the exes.
“Hugh and Deborra-Lee are both on different pages and chapters of their lives,” they said.
‘They felt it was time to part, but they still maintain a happy and cordial friendship.’
The source went on to say that Hugh and Deborra-Lee “appreciate their many years together and their children.”
“Ultimately, it was their collective agreement to go their own way and do what was healthiest for everyone involved,” she added.