Nearly 10 years have passed since Matthew Newton fled Australia for America, with the Looking for Alibrandi star vowing never to return amid tension within his own family.
But now, as his 82-year-old dad, Bert, recovers from a leg amputation in an attempt to buy himself a few more years of life, the 44-year-old is being “pushed” to return to Melbourne and make peace.
Watch: Patti Newton’s Heartbreaking Message To Son Matthew On His Birthday
New Idea has learnt exclusively that Matt’s wife of three years, Catherine Schneiderman, 28, is “a driving force” behind getting him to go home.
The journalism student is said to be growing increasingly frustrated by her actor husband’s refusal to mend fences with his ailing dad and elderly mum, Patti, 76.
“Cat and Matt have been together for more than five years now, and she’s only ever spoken to his family on the phone,” says a source.
“She understands there is bad blood between them and Matthew has deep trauma from the way they lived such public lives while he was struggling with his mental health.
“But Cat can’t bear to see Matthew’s family missing him at such an important and distressing time. Her biggest fear is Matthew not burying the hatchet with Bert and living the rest of his life with unresolved grievances.
She has told him in no uncertain terms that he needs to see his dad.”
We’re told Matt is digging his heels in, saying they can’t afford the expensive flights due to Australia’s COVID-19 flight caps and the quarantine costs at the other end.
But Catherine is one step ahead of him. “Cat speaks to Patti every now and then, and is well aware how desperate she is to see her son,” adds the source.
“Patti has made it clear to Cat that, while they aren’t made of money like they used to be, cost would not be an issue if she can convince Matthew to return. Patti is anxious to help if she can – in her mind, it will help right some of her wrongs to Matthew in the past.”
Read more in this week’s New Idea, on sale now.
For more on the life and legacy of Aussie TV legend Bert Newton, read more below:
- Everything to know about Bert Newton’s funeral
- Why Matthew Newton isn’t attending his father Bert’s funeral
- Australia’s golden couple: Looking back at Bert and Patti Newton’s relationship
- Bert Newton 1938-2021: “He gave us so much joy!”
- Bert Newton celeb tributes
- Australian TV royalty: A glimpse at Bert Newton’s career through the years
- Keeping up with the Newtons! Bert and Patti Newton’s best family photos
- Bert Newton’s pride and joy! Meet the TV legend’s six gorgeous grandkids
- Lauren Newton’s touching tribute to dad Bert Newton
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