Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and fashion designer Pip Edwards have sent the rumour mill swirling once again after the pair shared some hefty clues that an iso-romance is brewing.
The pair originally sparked rumours of a romantic spark back in February when they were seen leaving Pip’s home together.
But Pip, who has a 13-year-old son, Justice Maximus, was quick to shut things down, telling The Daily Telegraph that she and Michael, 39, had been close for years and that there was nothing more than “a business association” between them.
But now there is a suggestion that the pair’s actions in recent days might show there is something more between them after all.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Pip, who is currently isolating at her Bondi home, shared a picture of a swish coffee table book featuring images of designs by Tom Ford.
“Thanks for my pressie MC,” Pip wrote with the image, tagging Michael Clarke’s official page which confirmed the giver was indeed the famed former cricketer.
Hours later, pictures obtained by Daily Mail Australia showed the pair leaving her apartment on Monday – as she celebrated her 40th birthday.
According to the publication, the pair emerged from the house and drove discreetly in a car to a juice bar on Bondi’s Hall Street.
Pip reportedly then noticed paparazzi and quickly spoke to Michael through a window before the pair drove back to the house, leaving their juices behind.
When they arrived back, Michael hopped onto a motor bike and drove off, while Pip went inside.
Michael has been front and centre of media attention lately following his split from his wife of seven years, Kyly Clarke, with whom he shares a daughter, Kelsey Lee, four.
News that the pair’s marriage had hit speedbumps came to light in December 2019 when an insider told Woman’s Day that Kyly’s demanding new gig as a House Rules judge wasn’t helping things.
Things were allegedly exacerbated due to Michael no longer holding his high-profile and high-paying gig after retiring as captain of the Australian cricket team
“Kyly is feeling the pressure financially because she has had to step up and contribute to the family budget, while Michael tries to secure a regular media job or even a coaching role,” the source said at the time.
The pair confirmed a split in February: “After living apart for some time, we have made the difficult decision to separate as a couple, amicably,” Michael and Kyly said in a statement.
“With the greatest of respect for each other, we’ve come to the mutual conclusion that this is the best course for us to take while committed to the co-parenting of our daughter.”
The Australian’s Media Diary reported the pair had gone their separate ways five months earlier, explaining that and Michael had moved out of their home in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.
Rumours have also swirled as to whether Kyly and Michael have attempted to reconcile things amid lockdown by choosing to isolate together as a family in their Vaucluse home.
Whether or not this is the case remains to be seen, but there’s no denying Michael and Pip’s strong friendship continues with the former cricketer quick to help her celebrate her significant birthday.
WATCH: Former cricket captain Michael Clarke weighs in on the ball tampering scandal: