Patti Newton has set the record straight after speculation swirled that she’d welcomed a “new man” into her life, insisting the rumours couldn’t be further from the truth.
The 80-year-old triple threat jumped onto social media on Wednesday evening to correct the gossip, responding to paparazzi shots of herself alongside a male friend in Melbourne’s leafy suburb of Camberwell.
The images, taken earlier this month, show Newton greeting the man with a hug as they strolled together- enough, it seems, for rumours to kick off online.
Resharing the photos with her own tongue-in-cheek commentary, Newton made it clear there was nothing romantic about the encounter, revealing the man was actually her long-time former sales assistant and stylist from David Jones.
“I have to laugh at these photos that popped up on social media,” Patti said.
“I bumped into a man that has been serving me for years at David Jones and we said a quick hello. He is apparently my new man!”
The musical theatre veteran then gently reminded followers that her late husband, Australian TV icon Bert Newton, remains the only man she’ll ever love.
“There will only ever be Bert for me so they can say what they want!” she said.
Fans and famous friends flooded the comments, cracking up at her sharp response.
Today Show correspondent Megan Castran wrote: “Haha love that Patti! How hilarious! At least he’s a good one! You keep them guessing.”
Melbourne influencer and radio host Ash Pollard added: “Patti! What classic. You can only laugh, you’re right. I’m sure Bert is doing the same,” while former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Chyka Keebaugh chimed in: “Go Patti…. This has made me laugh so much but I love that you have addressed it… You and Bert were iconic and always will be.”
The moment comes just weeks after Newton marked what would have been her 51st wedding anniversary with Bert, sharing a touching throwback clip from their 1974 wedding.
“What A Day!! 1974 Ten thousand people watched Bert and I get married at Saint Dominic’s,” she captioned the black-and-white footage.
“The start of a beautiful life with the love of my life. Wonderful memories so lucky to have had him. We loved the crowd coming to see us, a day I’ll never forget. Miss you everyday Alb xxxxx.”
Aussie comedian Rove McManus joined the comments almost instantly, writing: “Our royal wedding,” while one fan added: “You were Melbourne TVs Golden couple, Patti. Never will be another one like Bert.”
Bert Newton, the much-loved TV presenter and four-time Gold Logie winner, died in palliative care on 30 October 2021 at age 83, following a long period of ill health.
He is survived by Patti, their daughter Lauren, who shares six children with husband and former Olympian Matt Welsh, and their son Matthew, who lives in the United States with his wife, Catherine Schneiderman.