Twenty years ago the world watched as a 13-year-old Nikki Webster flew across the sky at the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, and while so much has changed since then, she’s still the same bright-eyed, proud Aussie with an unwavering sense of optimism.
It’s been a challenging 12 months for the singer, 33, who this time last year called time on her seven-year marriage to Matthew McMah, who she shares Skylah, six, and Malachi, three, with, before facing the uncertainty of a global pandemic that shut down her three dance studios.
“Our whole world was turned upside-down and it was an incredibly challenging time,” says Nikki.
“There’s been a devastating impact on all small businesses and it’s going to take some time to recover, but it’s been encouraging learning to become more adaptable,” the three-time ARIA nominee says, noting that her business, Dance @ Nikki Webster, offered free virtual dance lessons to families across the country during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The single mother-of-two, pictured with her two children, says she would love to star as Australia’s next Bachelorette.
(Image: Supplied)
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But like the chameleon she is, Nikki is turning her skills towards a new project – as the ambassador for the release of Trolls World Tour Dance Party Edition.
It’s this sense of resilience that Nikki has applied to her personal life.
In November last year, it came to light that Nikki’s estranged husband Matthew had been convicted of common assault domestic violence and fined $800 after the couple had an altercation outside her Leichhardt, Sydney, dance studio.
So you think you can dance? The 33-year-old is the ambassador for the release of Trolls World Tour Dance Party Edition.
(Image: Supplied)And while it’s been a very testing year, the mother-of-two has used her time to quietly move on from the fractured relationship, revealing to Woman’s Day she’s certainly not giving up on love!
After a successful stint on Ten’s The Masked Singer in 2019, the Strawberry Kisses songstress says she’s open to finding herself a new man, even if it’s on reality TV!
“Australia’s next Bachelorette, could you imagine?!” muses Nikki, “You know what? I could totally do that! One hundred per cent I’m there – how else do you meet men these days?”
In happier times: Nikki Webster with her daughter Skylah and estranged husband Matthew McMah.
(Image: Instagram)“I’m not one of those people who says, ‘Oh I’m not doing [reality TV] again,’ I love supporting the entertainment industry,” she says.
And as Nikki starts a new chapter in her life searching for a new flame, the singer says there’s still one man she’ll never tire of – her father Mark.
“You know I was a little daddy’s girl growing up so I just love watching the relationship with Skylah and him, and both my parents,” she says.
“They’re incredible and supportive grandparents. They’re both at a time in their life where they can enjoy things.
To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Sydney Olympics, Nikki’s mini-me daughter Skylah (L) tried on her mum’s iconic pink Hawaiian-print dress.
(Images L-R: Instagram, Getty)“My kids absolutely adore them! I often catch myself just watching them both interact with my parents and thinking to myself they’re so lucky to have a nana and poppy so close to them,” she gushes.
As the year comes to a close, Nikki says she’s looking forward to what will be the “best Christmas ever”, but don’t count on her for any of the cooking duties!
“Thankfully I just get to arrive and Mum’s sorted all the food,” she laughs, revealing that her kids must be high on Santa’s good list because “they get a stack of presents”!
Will you accept this Strawberry Kiss? “Australia’s next Bachelorette, could you imagine?! You know what? I could totally do that! One hundred per cent I’m there – how else do you meet men these days?”
(Image: Getty)