One of the things that always seems to cause trouble for celebrity couples is spending so much time apart. It’s pretty normal for couples where both are very busy, and it’s even understandable that relationships would be strained under such circumstances. But is it already happening to Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster?
According to Woman’s Day, the actor’s work ethic, which is being fueled by a costly divorce, might already be putting a strain on the relationship. The outlet reports that the two have become “passing ships,” with their inner circle worried that the separation is doing “more harm than good.”
“Hugh’s a workaholic and she’s starting to understand how lonely Deb must have felt at times,” the insider said about Foster. “Sutton’s finding it hard to be by Hugh’s side at so many events and he invites her to every single one. It’s not that she’s shy, but she’s busy with her own career and still has a young daughter to raise. Sadly the biggest casualty of all is Hugh and Sutton finding quality time together – they’re like passing ships sometimes.”
And Jackman is said to be focusing on his work a lot these days. “Hugh’s got a lot of ground to make since that rather expensive divorce so he’s thrown himself into work, initially with Sutton’s full blessings,” the insider added. “The plan was to focus on their careers over the next two years and then take some serious time off, like six months or so, to tie the knot, but it’s becoming interminable and everyone’s worried it’s causing more harm than good.”
This is, as always, putting a big strain on the woman, Foster. “It’s worth pointing out that not that long ago Sutton had an absolutely devoted husband at her beck and call. Now she feels like a single mum and her friends are worried how long she can last without that level of support,” the insider said.
It all comes as Sutton has been struggling with the publicity surrounding their relationship. A source recently told Woman’s Day that Foster is having a hard time dealing with ongoing hostility from both fans and fellow celebrities.
“Sutton tries to ignore it, but some of the trolls and criticism online get the better of her,” a source revealed. “She struggles with being branded a ‘homewrecker,’ so does Hugh, but this is a whole new world for Sutton. She’s never been ‘hated’ like this.”
Of course, the source makes it clear that Foster “loves” Jackman, but “she was totally naive about what came with that.”
“Nothing could have prepared her,” the source added. “She worries she could be stuck with this reputation forever, regardless of whether or not she becomes Mrs Jackman.”
This comes after reports that Jackman is used to a different relationship than Foster expected. “Hugh wants a mommy, not a girlfriend,” one insider told Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice. “He needs constant validation, nonstop reassurance, and someone shielding him from conflict while he keeps playing the golden boy.”
“Sutton is ambitious, independent, and emotionally intelligent,” a source explained. “She didn’t sign up to become Hugh’s full-time emotional support system. The deeper this relationship gets, the more she feels responsible for managing his feelings, his image, and the chaos surrounding him.”