MEET MY NEW MAN Tegan Martin in love
The former Miss Universe Australia talks life in Melbourne and reveals her new love
She’s the natural beauty and self-proclaimed tomboy who was crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2014. And model and speaker Tegan Martin has a big 2020 planned. Behind the scenes, she is juggling multiple projects and ventures, following her split with boyfriend Blake Worrall Thompson in early 2019. Speaking to WHO, the I’m a Celebrity … alumna says she’s finally in a good place. “I moved back to Newcastle post-break-up early last year thinking I’d go back to Sydney, then as a last-minute decision, I moved back to Melbourne on my own in September,” Martin, 27, says. “2019 was really about coming into my own and realising there actually is longevity in the career I’m in. I’m feeling challenged and inspired again.”
Now residing in inner city Melbourne, the model says fate has followed her, revealing this is where she began dating her current boyfriend of six months, finance worker Luke Andrews. Until now, she’d kept her new relationship private. “He’s really, really beautiful – I’m very happy,” Martin gushes. “I met him overseas a few years ago and then we reconnected last year. It’s grounding for me, having someone I come home to that has no idea what goes on in my world.”
Detailing their first date, Martin tells WHO, “Initially, I thought he was quite shy and I didn’t know if there was much depth to him, but then we went for coffee and four-and-a-half hours later we were still sitting there just talking about life.
“I learnt that he’s one of five kids and his younger brother has quite severe autism, so he’s always been that big brother figure – and his brother just thinks the world of him,” Martin says. “We visit his family once or twice a week and they’re so close – I’ve never been a part of something so special.”
The beauty reveals why she kept her relationship under wraps until now. “I wanted to stay in our little bubble and navigate the early stages of a relationship that are already difficult, without everyone knowing.”
On top of her new romance, Martin says she’s got a full schedule for 2020. “The biggest thing is the Bras N Things international campaign, which we recently shot for, that’s coming out soon,” she says.
With a bunch of other projects currently a secret, Martin hints at a potential return to TV. “I did an acting casting recently; 2020 is about going in head first and saying yes to every opportunity in all different spaces,” Martin says. “I really enjoy doing different things. I’m not someone who likes the routine of the nine-to-five job, so I’m really excited for this year and I’m hoping to lock down another TV opportunity.”
Martin, who is The Star Sydney’s Summer Ambassador, says she also loves sharing her experiences with younger girls. “I’m co-hosting The Healthy Hustlers podcast and we discuss topics and problems that girls hit in life,” she tells WHO. “Our most listened-to episode was called ‘SUCCESS – F--k the timeline’ and I talked about staying in your own lane and not comparing where your friends are at with your own life.”
Martin also reveals a goal of hers this year. “A big focus for me this year is definitely buying my own place. I’ve really been trying to get my finances together so I can hopefully buy a little investment property on my own,” she tells WHO. “I kind of always thought I’d grow up and buy a house with my partner and do the whole white picket fence thing and then I hit 26 and was single again. I thought I was going to have my first baby at 27 like my mum, but that’s not how life happens.”
On top of everything, Martin explains she’s still interested in pursuing further study within the health and wellness space. “There’s been so many times where I’ve wanted to go back and study. I’m potentially going to be looking into doing a meditation course this year,” Martin reveals. “But then I realised, I actually don’t have any time for study!”
With so much going on, Martin remains focused on where she’d like to be in five years. “My ultimate work goal would be to become a host of a wellness show, doing something like Rachael Finch,” Martin admits, adding that, in her personal life, “I definitely want to have had a baby by then. I’ve always been maternal and clucky.”
“He’s really beautiful, and I’m very happy”