Six months ago, Jessica Marais was struggling to understand how her “amazing” life had all gone so wrong. The beautiful Love Child star was at her lowest ebb after splitting from fiance James Stewart, and fighting over how to co-parent their daughter Scout, four.
But what a difference a few months can make!
Pictured in Melbourne last week on the set of The Wrong Girl – Ten’s adaptation of Zoe Foster Blake’s bestselling book – Jess looked happier than she has in months, sharing plenty of laughs with her handsome co-star Ian Meadows, 33.
“The chemistry between them is undeniable,” confirms an on-set insider. “There’s a definite spring in Jess’s step. Who knows if anything will come of it, but it’s so nice to see her smiling again.”
Jess, 31, won the Silver Logie for Best Actress last week, before returning to the set and into the arms of Ian – who plays her love interest.
The pair reportedly can’t take their eyes off each other in between takes, and were spotted hugging and laughing as they took pictures of each other.
“They seem to have clicked instantly,” reveals the source.
“They’ve been hanging out together on set, even when they aren’t filming, and there’s an easy intimacy between them.”
Meanwhile, Jess’ ex James has most recently been linked to Jessica Nock. Several images of the pair have been shared on social media looking cosy.
Jess and James fell in love after working together on Packed to the Rafters in 2009 and became engaged a year later.
They announced their split in May last year via a joint statement.
Watch Jess and James in happier times in the player below. Post continues…
“Jessica Marais and James Stewart have amicably separated. Their main focus at this time is the co-parenting of their daughter,” a rep explained at the time.
Despite the bumpy few years Jess has had, her daughter Scout has been remained the light of her life.
Last week, the actress gave a very special shout out to her daughter on the eve of her fourth birthday.
“And I’d just like to say happy birthday to a little lady who’s turning four years old tomorrow. Mummy loves you very much,” the stunning star added as her former partner James watched on in the audience.
Meanwhile on Sunday, James shared a beautiful family photo of him and Jess with as they celebrated her birthday. “Happy Birthday my sweet little Scout… you are all my reasons. Love Dad,” he penned.
To find out more about Jess’ exciting new romance, be sure to pick up the latest issue of Woman’s Day on sale now!