Aussie darling Isla Fisher contacted the UK’s most fearsome divorce lawyer two years ago, but the actress only revealed her bombshell split from husband Sacha Baron Cohen to the public last week.
In what almost seemed like a joke, the comedy duo shared a picture of them both in tennis outfits, revealing that it’s game over for their “long match” after 20 years together and 13 years of marriage.
The couple – who are parents to Olive, 16, Elula, 13, and Montgomery, nine –penned a revealing Instagram post:
“In 2023, we jointly filed to end our marriage. We have always prioritised our privacy and have been working through this change. We forever share in our devotion and love for our children. We sincerely appreciate you respecting our family’s wish for privacy.”
While the pair might have seemed like Hollywood’s golden couple for years, the signs of trouble were hiding in plain sight for those looking closely enough.
Tight-lipped
One of the most telltale signs that the couple had called it quits on their relationship was the fact that Isla, 48, kept her ring finger well-hidden during recent red-carpet events.
On several occasions, photographers captured the ex-Home And Away star putting her hand in her pockets or on her hip, deliberately turning it away from cameras to obscure any view of a wedding ring – or its absence.
And while it’s still unknown exactly when in 2023 the couple separated, they’ve been absent from each other’s social media accounts in recent months.
The last image Isla shared of the couple was in November last year, while the last picture of Isla that Sacha, 52, shared was in February 2023.
What’s more, in typical single girl fashion, Isla, who is also a successful children’s fiction author, has also been spending a lot of time with her famous friends recently.
Just last week, she enjoyed a girls’ night at the theatre. Actresses Michelle Dockery and Naomi Watts, plus film producer Bruna Papandrea kept her company.
Interestingly, during an interview on Kelly Clarkson’s chat show earlier this year, Isla didn’t reveal anything about the pair’s secret split when asked about her Valentine’s Day traditions.
Isla gushed, “Every year, Sacha gives me a card that says, ‘Happy Valentine’s from…’ and then there’s this massive question mark, as if I’d have any other Valentines.”
However, tensions in their marriage reportedly started in 2022, after the couple clashed over where to live, with Sacha keen to return to the UK instead of Isla’s hometown of Perth.
What’s next?
Now the former couple is set to battle it out over custody of their three children. Their $83 million estate, which includes several properties around the globe is also up for discussion.
Sources claim that Isla, keen to prepare for the worst, reached out to celebrity divorce lawyer Baroness Fiona Shackleton. The Baroness represented the then-Prince Charles in his divorce from Princess Diana.
“She has known for some time that the marriage was over. After some difficult conversations with Sacha, Isla made the decision to to call and action a divorce lawyer,” an insider tells.
Reports indicate that Sacha has also sought advice from top lawyer Laura Wasser. Laura famously represented Johnny Depp during his separation from Amber Heard.
The couple still lives together with their children. Advisors have urged them to maintain amicable during the proceedings, we understand.
“However, with Fiona on board, no stone will be left unturned if things did start to turn nasty – which neither of them want,” we’re told.
