When Nicole Kidman gushed that husband Keith Urban was her ‘biggest supporter’ at the start of the year, it seemed the couple’s 12-year marriage was stronger than ever.
However, sensational new reports have emerged claiming that Keith has moved out of the family home and their relationship is hanging by a thread after a string of heated arguments – questioning whether they might be on the brink of a shocking $413 million divorce.
The bombshell claims coincide with observers noting that Nicole and Keith haven’t been seen in public for around 80 days, with two US publications reporting that the A-list couple are now living apart.
‘He went to stay at a five-star hotel in LA,’ a source spilled to In Touch. ‘He’s planning to hide out in Palm Springs next, before performing at the Stagecoach country music festival in the Californian desert at the end of April, and after that he’ll move back to his LA hotel suite.’
The source added: ‘He and Nicole are basically two passing ships.’
Furthermore, Life & Style has also claimed the couple are living in separate cities, with a source telling the publication it was due to Keith’s growing friendship with fellow singersongwriter John Mayer.
‘Nicole tried to put a ban on Keith spending time with John because she’s convinced he’s a bad influence,’ a source revealed.
Last month, the couple, both 50, were said to have embarked on a five-day relationship counselling retreat at Marriage Quest, hidden away in a tiny little town in Vermont.
However, as New Idea reported recently, despite their best efforts, the counselling was not completely successful.
If they were to end up splitting, it’s thought that their divorce could potentially be worth as much as $413 million.
While the pair have not separated, sources close to the couple say Nicole – who is worth $338 million alone – and Keith would have to look at what assets would need to be divided if things did come to the worst.
In fact, only last week Nicole was reportedly spotted at a top divorce lawyer’s office, sparking speculation that she is seeking professional legal advice.
According to insiders, the couple – who share daughters Sunday, nine, and Faith, seven, – are leaning on their family and close friends to help them get through this ‘dark time’. And they’re convinced they will.
‘Keith’s been leaning on his brother Shane, who’s been an incredible support,’ a friend tells.
‘Their relationship has been fractured at times because Nicole has never been a huge fan of Shane’s, but Keith’s realised just how much he values him.’
In 2006, just months after their wedding, Keith checked into rehab – with Nicole describing the experience at the time as ‘a very, very, very painful place’.
However, despite their troubled history, friends of the stars say there is still a lot of love between them and divorce is not on the cards.
Let’s hope they can work out their troubles.
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea – out now!
