Wayne Mott admits he gets emotional at big events, but celebrating his 50th birthday with family and friends, including his partner Tom Walsh, gave him the greatest, weepiest gift of all.
Painting the town pink at a glitzy party, the long-time pair revealed joyful plans to splurge on their 20th anniversary by getting married next year.
Wayne sobbed as guests cheered.
Then the eldest of their three children, daughter Jade, 30, went one better by breaking the news she and her partner are going through the process to adopt a child as soon as possible.
“Sorry, I’m trying to compose myself,” says Wayne, wiping his eyes as he recalls the moment.
“To be told that on my birthday was one of the best presents I could have been given.”
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(Image: Love is Love Photography)For Gogglebox fans it’s no secret that Wayne was adopted and later helped raise Tom’s kids Jade, Zac, 28, and Tegan, 25, wholeheartedly as his own.
“He always told our kids there are so many children out there in need of love,” says 51-year-old Tom, now a breakfast presenter on Melbourne’s LGBTI radio network JOY 94.9FM.
“So when Jade said she wanted to give somebody else the love Wayne brought to us, I was never more proud. Sh*t they’re good kids!”
Extravaganza!
Wayne lets Tom and the other guests lead the celebrations!
(Image: Love is Love Photography)Tear-jerking moments aside, it was a cracker of a birthday bash at Melbourne’s iconic gay pub DT’s in Richmond.
With handsome topless waiters handing out mimosa cocktails and shots of peppermint schnapps on arrival, the event was sure to go off with a bang.
And that was before the acrobat and drag queens Millie Minogue, Suzie Ridge and Miss Candee made their appearance!
It’s laughs all the way for Tim, Leanna and… is that you, Keith?
(Image: Love is Love Photography)Gogglebox guests included the Daltons, Lee and Keith Lee, outspoken siblings Tim and Leanne Lai and Greek-Aussie Faye Kontos, who sadly lost her partner Tony
to pancreatic cancer last year.
Also feeling the love were celebrities Rhonda Burchmore, Neighbours favourite Sharon Johal, who plays feisty Dipi Rebecchi, Susie McLean from Real Housewives Of Melbourne and Oprah’s friend, @jewelchic influencer Megan Castran.
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“I can’t believe I’ve made it to 50,” smiles Wayne.
“I’ve never really celebrated birthdays, that’s just not me, but it was amazing on the day having so many of my family and friends in one room.
“I made a speech to thank everyone for coming and honestly, it took every single power I have to stop the tears flowing again. It’s something I will never forget!”
Lee and Keith drink to the birthday boy.
(Image: Love is Love Photography)An exciting future beckons for Tom and Wayne, who quit Gogglebox at the end of 2018.
They have a wedding to plan, and they’re also determined to live their dream of moving to a farm in Tasmania.
“We spoke about that on the show and that’s another goal for 2020, especially knowing that we have grandkids coming,” says Wayne.
“We want somewhere the family can come and be kids again – run around in paddocks, eat worms, get eggs straight off our chickens. That will be amazing.”
