When former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and his wife of 24 years, Natalie Joyce, split in 2017, it was brutal for everyone – especially Natalie. Breakups are rough, but public breakups? A hundred times worse. And it definitely did not help that months later, it was revealed that Barnaby was having an affair with an employee.
But our girl Natalie bounced back stronger than ever – and we mean that literally. Since the divorce, 49-year-old Natalie has gone on to lose 15kg and has now entered the world of professional bodybuilding!
How did she do it? Read on to find out how Natalie ended up becoming a bodybuilder and pulling off the biggest ‘break-up flex’ ever.
RELATED: Vikki Campion’s Hell: ‘i’ve Been Called Rent-a-r**T’
The Affair That Changed Everything
Barnaby Joyce was the deputy prime minister of Australia up until his scandalous affair in 2017, which lead to the dissolution of his marriage with Natalie Joyce (nee Abberfield) and the loss of his job.
He first announced their separation in 2017, when he addressed Parliament during a debate on same-sex marriage. It wasn’t until months later when news broke that Barnaby’s former employee, Vikki Campion, was allegedly pregnant with his child, that Barnaby and Natalie became the centre of a media firestorm.
As the nation became engulfed in the family scandal, many became concerned for Natalie’s well-being, as well as that of their four children, daughters Caroline, Odette, Bridgette, and Julia Joyce. There was a painful tell-all interview by Barnaby and Vikki, even more painful family photos when the baby was born, and rumours (now confirmed) of a confrontation between Natalie and Vikki.
As if to fan the flames that seemed to have died down, in June of 2019 Barnaby and Vikki welcomed a second child. What a rough three years indeed.
No Longer Just Barnaby Joyce’s Ex-Wife
But Natalie didn’t take the scandal lying down. In June of 2018, she broke her silence and spoke to Australian Women’s Weekly. She called out her ex-husband on agreeing to sell their exclusive story and keeping all the money without considering their daughters.
“I’m normally a very private person but I knew I had to find my voice. They thought I would lie down, but this time I couldn’t”, said Natalie. “I’m doing this so the girls feel empowered, and know their mum stood up and defended our fine name”. You go, Nat!
Nat Joyce, The Bodybuilder
And that isn’t Natalie’s sole act of defiance. These days, she is more than just Barnaby Joyce’s ex-wife. She’s also Natalie Joyce, professional bodybuilder!
“In June last year I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘I’m not going to let someone else’s appalling behaviour derail me…So I joined the local gym, and I’ve never looked back. And I’ve always wanted to compete in a bodybuilding comp”.
It was reported that in her first-ever competition she won two medals in the First Timers and Miss Fitness Model Momma categories. She bagged fourth place medals for both, according to her coach. Now that’s girl power at its finest.
How Did She Do It?
The New Daily reports that Natalie Joyce achieved her stunning new bod by cutting out carbs, “bad fats”, and sugar, and finding healthier alternatives. She also reportedly follows a daily workout regimen. Mighty impressive for a 49-year-old! But then again, age is just a number.
We believe Nat’s got a solid support system as well. Her loving daughters have repeatedly turned to social media to make it known to everyone that they’re a-ok without their dad. In a biting Instagram post, Odette posted a photo of Nat and the girls and captioned it “The real Joyce family #whosbarnaby”.
Natalie also mentioned how much her trainer Kylie Steel believed in her. According to MSN, she said “there were doubters, but you never did. You believed in me, encouraged me and (with) a gentle, strong guiding hand”. Coach answered back by telling Natalie that she did her proud. Can we get an amen for powerful female friendships?
What’s The Latest News About Barnaby Joyce?
So is Barnaby Joyce married to Vikki Campion? No, not as of late. But recently, Barnaby and Vikki welcomed a second son, Thomas Michael Timothy.
Barnaby also came under fire in July for saying he was having a hard time providing for two families under his $AUD211,250 salary. On The Today Show, Senator Pauline Hanson slammed Barnaby with five words: “Where’s the tissues, my god”.
Conclusion
As the saying goes, “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”. Barnaby Joyce may have put his wife through hell and back when he had his affair, but Natalie proved she was one tough cookie.
We’re looking forward to hearing and seeing more from the ex-wife of a politician turned hot momma bodybuilder. Just by looking at her tenacity, her grace under pressure, and her inner and outer strength, it’s clear that she makes one heck of an inspiration!
RELATED: Barnaby Joyce: The Truth About Our Son
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