James Stewart cosies up to fiancee's lookalike Kate Jenkinson months before he and Jessica Marais announce split
Just days ago, it was confirmed that one of Aussie TV's glamour couples had gone their separate ways.
And now, photographs of James Stewart, 39, and one of his co-stars hint that his engagement to Jessica Marais, 30, may have been on the rocks for some time.
Photographs published on Daily Mail Australia in October, show a solemn-looking Stewart cosying up to actress, Kate Jenkinson.
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Cosy: James Stewart and co-star Kate Jenkinson on set in October, with James resting his head against her
Taken on October 22, the pair were snapped between takes on the set of their miniseries, Hiding.
In one shot, Stewart and Jenkinson sit on a set of steps while he rests his head against her shoulder.
In another, the actress, who plays Maree Quigg, is seen brushing the back of Stewart's neck before they bring it in for a hug.
Pictured: The actress is seen brushing the back of Stewart's neck in the photos, taken seven months ago
He plays Troy Quigg in the miniseries, the character thought to be Maree's husband.
Stewart was clad in a red T-shirt and blue jeans, while she was sporting a printed shirt under a cream coat.
A source also told The Daily Telegraph, 'Marais has been putting a brave face on personal grief for some time.'
Stewart and Marais' management released a statement on Wednesday confirming that the two actors, who starred on hit TV show Packed To The Rafters together, were indeed separated.
'Jessica Marais and James Stewart have amicably separated. Their main focus at this time is the co-parenting of their daughter and they ask that media respect their privacy,' it read.
Romance is over: Jessica Marais and James amicably separated, announcing their split last week
Public affair: The pair were engaged in 2010 but never married, while they also parent daughter Scout together
The news came after rumours emerged earlier this week that the TV couple had called time on their relationship.
The couple met on-set of Channel 7 family drama Packed To The Rafters in 2009, and made their first public appearance as a couple at the Logie Awards nomination breakfast in March 2010.
As romance blossomed between their characters - he played cheeky electrician Jake Barton opposite Marais' career girl, Rachel Rafter - sparks also flew off screen.
They got engaged in October that year and announced they were expecting their first child in November 2011, with Scout born in May 2012.
Reel life to real life: James played cheeky electrician Jake Barton opposite Marais' career girl, Rachel Rafter
Getting it together: As romance blossomed between their characters sparks also flew off screen as well
Jessica and James were last seen together publicly at the Logie Awards in Melbourne last year.
In January, the 39-year-old actor opened up to Daily Mail Australia about helping his then-fiancee cope with her bipolar disorder and also discussed their hopes for more children together.
'I don't know what Jessica reckons, but, God, yes, dammit, I want more children. It's the best thing in the world. It makes you grow up in the nicest possible way.'
'As an actor it's all about you but being a dad it's not all about you; it's about you, Scout and Jessica,' he added.
'Scout is two-and-a-half now and her looks switches all the time, sometimes she looks like me and sometimes Jessica. Being a dad is wonderful,' he added at the time.
He could only gush about his then fiancee as he touched on her bipolar disorder: 'Jessica is doing really well, I'm very proud and feel blessed to have her in my life. We're strong - being older helps.'
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