Madeleine West never expected things to turn out like this. It’s not just that last year her iconic Neighbours character, Dee Bliss, came back from the dead (kind of – it actually ended up being evil impersonator Andrea Somers).
And it’s not just that in the past 13 years she’s given birth to six children, written four books and landed 13 television roles.
What’s most surprising, is that these days all anyone wants to ask the star of Ten’s new drama Playing for Keeps is her relationship status.
“At the end of the day I genuinely think that people ask questions because they’re curious,” she tells WHO.
“I like to think most curiosity comes from a place of compassion. The public at large … wish the best for us and so that’s why people ask questions.”
Two months ago, reports emerged that the 38-year-old and her long-time partner, chef and MasterChef judge Shannon Bennett, had split after 13 years together.
While neither party have explicitly confirmed or denied if the rumours are true, when WHO spoke with the busy star, things seem to point towards a reconciliation.
“I’ve reached a point where I feel like I’ve said enough, and if you treat those nearest and dearest to you with love and respect then that’s all you could ask for,” she says cryptically.
“That’s my position now, just treating those who are near and dear to me with love and respect.”
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact West refers to the father of her children as her “partner” when the topic of discussion moves to juggling work and raising children Phoenix, 12, Hendrix, 10, Xascha, 8, Xanthe, 6, twins Xalia and Margaux, 4.
“The way I’ve explained it to my kids [about working] is that I am Mummy – the most important role in my life – but I’m also Madeleine who is Daddy’s partner, and I’m Madeleine who’s an actor, and I’m Madeleine who likes to paint and Madeleine who is an author, and if I don’t give some oxygen to all those parts of me, I can’t be the best person I can be.”
For Madeleine’s full interview, you can pick up the latest issue of WHO.
For the extended edition, you can listen to her chat with Pete Timbs in this week’s episode of WHO’s celebrity podcast, WHO ARE YOU, via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all good podcast platforms.
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