Blessed with their good looks, easy charm and a generous dollop of talent, it’s easy to assume that everything comes easy to Better Homes and Garden’s resident landscaper, Charlie Albone, and interior designer Juliet Love. But while inviting WHO into their stunning beach-side home in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Love owns up to one skill that they’ve never quite mastered.
“I’d say neither of us are natural dancers,” Love exclaims with a laugh as her husband of 12 years gives her a dip in their garden – much to the delight of their sons, Leo, 10, and Hart, 8, and their pooches, Darcy and Loulou.
The revelation comes as a bit of a surprise given we’ve dropped by on the eve of Albone making his debut on the 2023 season of Dancing with the Stars. But it isn’t the glory of winning the Mirrorball Trophy that has motivated this father-of-two, who has spent at least 6 hours a day in rehearsals for the last few months. His reasons for signing up are much closer to home.
“Looking back, I probably should have thought about it a bit more, rather than just saying yes,” Albone, 41, explains. “But I wanted to show my boys that they can do stuff that they aren’t necessarily the best at – what’s important is you give it a go and have some fun.”
Have you guys ever taken dance lessons together?
LOVE: We had a couple of classes just before Charlie started rehearsals and the teacher said to us, “I think they’ve signed up the wrong person!”
ALBONE: We took a couple before our wedding too, but failed to give it a practise before the big day. At our actual wedding, we quickly realised we weren’t going to be able to do the steps due to Juliet’s gown, so we just ended up shuffling from side to side.
L: I was wearing a fishtail dress which was tight to the knee then flared out. It was beautiful but not exactly built for a lot of movement.
Juliet, did you find yourself at home doing extra rehearsals with Charlie as he prepared for the show?
L: In the early days, we did a bit, but he quickly surpassed my level of skill so it didn’t end up being that much help. I was more supporting him in the background – cooking for him, taking care of the kids and just being there for him.
You’ve recently finished renovations on your home. Did you each stick to your own areas of expertise when it came to the garden and interiors, or is it a mix of both your ideas and tastes?
A: When it came to the interiors, we talked about it and Juliet did what she wanted. Then when it came to the outside, we talked about it and Juliet did what she wanted [laughs]. I’m exaggerating a little.
L: Because we met while working on a lifestyle show, we have a healthy respect for each other’s opinions and we always arrive at a better result when we workshop ideas together.
You’re both extremely busy, juggling multiple projects along with your family. What do you think is the secret to making your relationship work?
A: Juliet always says that whatever you are doing at that time, that’s what you should be completely focused on in that moment. So when we are at work, we give it our all. But when we are home together and with the kids, we start fresh and are completely focused on that.
L: Having a really strong friendship as the foundation of our relationship is really vital and we make an effort to communicate every day.
What would our readers be surprised to learn about you?
L: Charlie has a very fun and silly side that I don’t think the public has seen much of. I hope we see that come out on DWTS.
What’s the most annoying habit the other one has that you’ve learned to live with?
A: The way Juliet keeps her car – it’s like a mobile skip bin.
L: Yes, that really does annoy him! Whenever Charlie asks why it’s so messy, I’m like, “That’s life and our kids.”
What’s your favourite thing about the other one?
L: Charlie is very romantic. I tell his friends that and they almost fall over laughing, but he is very loving and very thoughtful. It’s not about big romantic gestures but the day-to-day. He always surprises me with lovely cards, thoughtful little gifts and has the nicest things to say.
A: I like how we are still best friends, even after 15 years together.
Juliet, do you think you’ll be volunteering for the next season of DWTS?
L: I feel like I’m pretty open to whatever opportunities come up on reality TV.
A: I can’t really see you going on SAS though…
Dancing with the Stars airs 7.30pm Sundays on Channel 7
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