reality tv

Reunited with an ex and a costly court case: Tracey Jewel's life, two years on from MAFS.

 

Warning: This post deals with suicide. Contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or beyondblue (1300 22 4636) if it brings up issues for you.

It’s been nearly two years since Tracey Jewel appeared on our screens in the reality TV sh*t show that was Married at First Sight.

In a season of husband swapping, cheating scandals, walk outs and more, the 37-year-old mum-of-one was the proud initiator of approximately 73 per cent of said drama. And we loved her for it.

Jewel was initially paired with Sydney-based creative director, Dean Wells, who caused quite the stir when he cheated on her with fellow contestant Davina Rankin. However, Jewel got her revenge *ahem*  and seemingly found love, when she showed up to the final dinner party with another contestant, Sean Thomsen.

Like we said… it was a lot.

The trailer for the 2020 season of Married at First Sight has been released and dear god, it’s a lot. Post continues below.

Video by Channel 9

It was Jewel’s actions that would pave the way for the smashed fruitbowls, cheating, and screaming matches which we’ve come to know and love MAFS for. And now, 20 months since the 2018 finale, the author, marketing coach and wellness advocate continues to make headlines.

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From a new romance, to a $20,000 court case and her current work in the ‘wellness space’, this is what the former reality TV star is doing now.

What did Tracey Jewel do post-MAFS?

Short answer: A lot.

After the highly-produced (and edited) dinner parties and commitment ceremonies, Jewel continued to appear in headlines.

Her relationship with Thomsen quickly fizzled out in March 2018, after roughly five months of dating. She then began a brief two-month relationship with Patrick Kedemos, from May to June of 2018, before reuniting with her current partner, Nathan ‘Nate’ Constable. But more on those relationships later.

Things got a bit weird on April 1, 2019, when Wells posted a photo of him and Jewel on Instagram, with the following caption.

“It’s been the worst kept secret for a while now, but it’s time we come clean. My little lady @traceyjewel_ify and I have decided to give this crazy ride called love another go,” he wrote.

“Despite our differences, and all that we have been through, in the long run it seems the experts may have got it right. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and kept this quiet xx #mafs #loveatsecondsight can’t wait for the next chapter!!”

Obviously it was an April Fool’s joke, but goodness were we #triggered.

 

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So what has Tracey Jewel been up to in 2019?

Currently based in Perth, Jewel’s Instagram bio states she’s working as an “author, accredited MHFAider [that’s Mental Health First Aider Accreditation] instructor, and marketing coach”.

She continues to be involved with the Wellstrong Collective – the mental health initiative she started with the aim of creating a “wellness space for all women”. They also sell Goop-adjacent products like Anytime Energy Instant Boost Spray, $24.90, Aromatherapy Pendants, $29.90 and Crystal Water Bottles, $69.90.

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She’s recently been advertising a Mini Wellness Expo that was held on November 23, which aimed for attendees to “experience a showcase of interactive wellness therapies, workshops and products for mental, physical and emotional wellness”. There was also sound healing sessions, reiki healing sessions, and tarot and psychic readings on offer too.

Recently Jewel has spoken publicly about her relationship with her ex-husband, Jacob Anthonisz, and the corruption scandal he is currently embroiled in. Anthonisz, and fellow senior public servant Paul Whyte, are accused of fraud allegedly worth up to $40 million in taxpayer funds.

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“I want people to know that I had no idea,” she told 9News.

“I’m just as shocked as the public out there. I knew that Jacob liked the horses and liked a bet but we just lived a normal life.”

Jewel and Anthonisz met in 2004 and divorced in 2012. They also share a 10-year-old daughter, Grace, together.

Tracey on her mental health struggles.

Speaking to Mamamia in September 2018, Jewel said she initially noticed her mental health deteriorating thanks to the social media vitriol garnered by her MAFS appearance. She said when she approached producers about her concerns, she wasn’t offered any support.

“I made the producers aware of the social media getting out of control and my subsequent anxiety issues and they didn’t offer me any help,” she told Mamamia.

“I advised them I couldn’t work and that I was needing mental health care and still no offer of help, only to continue to see someone.

At her lowest, Jewel said she attempted suicide, and eventually entered a mental health clinic – something which cost her “thousands”.

“I’ve had to pay for everything which is now several thousand dollars,” she said.

“I was able to cope just fine regarding the filming and airing of the show.

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“It was when the media and social media [started] personally attacking me with allegations that were untrue and unfounded that took its toll on my mental health, and I couldn’t repair the damage.”

 

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In August 2019, Jewel also publicly spoke about her struggles with anxiety on Channel 7’s Sunday Night.

“Being out of my routine and being in the public eye definitely started the triggers for anxiety for me,” she said.

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“It’s really scary. It makes day-to-day life hard. I have become a total recluse because of it.

She said she manages her anxiety by listening to music and meditation, adding that she’s “not cured” but “can certainly manage it”.

Her court case against ex-boyfriend, Patrick Kedemos.

In June of this year, it was reported that Jewel has been ordered by a court to pay her ex-partner, Patrick Kedemos, over $20,000, after she failed to repay a business loan in 2018.

The case was heard by the Magistrates Court of Western Australia, and the former MAFS star was instructed to pay $20,000, plus six per cent interest and legal fees.

At the time Kedemos, an investment banker, told the Daily Mail he lent Jewel the money in May and June 2018, “because I loved her and felt sorry for her,” however she consistently avoided paying him back.

 

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According to Perth Now, Jewel originally proposed in an email exchange with Kedemos’ lawyer that she would only be able to organise a payment plan of $250 a month, or file bankruptcy, meaning he wouldn’t get paid at all. However, her ex-partner refuted the claims, citing social media posts of her “well-documented lavish lifestyle” and “new business ventures” as evidence against her argument.

Since the trial, Jewel reaffirmed to Perth Now that she plans on appealing the judgement and will not declare bankruptcy.

What we know about Tracey’s current partner, Nathan Constable.

After her tumultuous relationship with Kedemos, Jewel reunited with her high school sweetheart, Nathan ‘Nate’ Constable. The couple have been together since November of last year.

In October, the mum-of-one shared a photo of them together, with the caption: “This man beside me, the man I dated back in high school 20 years ago supports me and loves me harder than I thought was possible. He doesn’t waiver and is my safeguard. Almost one year on.. Nate you are the best thing that could have ever happened to me and I’m beyond grateful to be yours”.

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Sometimes I feel stuck in between two worlds. The remnants of my past that haunt me with peoples preconceptions or judgements versus the life I knew I was meant to live – the part I started on when I was 20 – facilitating women’s workshops and holding space for wellbeing and collectiveness. As I forge ahead with the path I know I’m meant to be and the woman I know I am – the true Tracey… some days I really have to dig deep to move past the bullshit, trauma and hurt Today is one of those days. And this man beside me, the man I dated back in high school 20 years ago supports me and loves me harder than I thought was possible. He doesn’t waiver and is my safeguard. Almost 1 year on.. Nate you are the best thing that could have ever happened to me and I’m beyond grateful to be yours x #love #gratitude #worthwaitingfor #worthit

A post shared by Tracey Jewel (@traceyjewel_ify) on

Are you excited for the 2019 season of MAFS? Tell us in a comment below.

If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. If you’re based in Australia, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 for support or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.