It’s been a tough few weeks for Jessica Marais. Just days after she announced, via her agent, she wouldn’t be working as an actress for at least the rest of the year, comes rumours that she and her photographer boyfriend Jake Holly have called it quits.
Insiders say Jessica, 33, will move out from the flat the couple share in Coogee, Sydney. After stepping out together at the beginning of the year, Jake has been a source of support for Jessica and grown close to her daughter Scout, who she shares with ex James Stewart.
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“The challenges they have faced over the last few months would put enormous pressure on even the most solid of couples, and they have tried to endure the battles together,” spills a close friend.
“But in reality Jake has decided that it would be best for both of them to be friends rather than in a live-in relationship.”
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Jake is close to the star’s six-year-old daughter, Scout, whom she shares with her ex, James Stewart.
While the pair are said to be heartbroken over the tough decision, they’re hoping to stay close friends.
“They will keep going to church together and plan to have weekly catch-ups,” says our source.
“For now, this is the best thing for them both. Jake needs to live his life and Jess needs to live hers.”
Jess, who was notably absent from this year’s TV WEEK Logie Awards, recently announced that she was quitting acting to put her health first. The actress, who has spoken openly about her personal demons with “bipolar episodes” since she was 12, returned to a Sydney health facility for a “detox and inner health program” instead of attending the awards.
“Jess knows what her triggers are and she’d have recognised the warning signs,” reveals a friend, who says those closest to Jess are proud of her for tackling her issues head-on. “She’s done what’s best for herself, Scout and her family by checking herself into rehab.”
WATCH BELOW: Miranda Tapsell accepts Jessica Marais’s Logie Award for Love Child. and The Wrong Girl.
