Steve Jacobs
Television weatherman Steve Jacobs opens up about life after his split from wife Rose, spending time with his kids and moving on
IT’S BEEN A TUMULTUOUS YEAR for Today weatherman Steve Jacobs, who split with his wife of seven years, Rose Kelly, earlier this year.
The couple, who were married in an intimate ceremony in Bali in 2010, had been living together in Vanuatu after taking time out from their Sydney lives last year. Their relationship broke down earlier this year, amid reports of fiery rows and public altercations – the couple now share custody of their two girls, Isabella, 7, and Francesca, 5.
In a frank chat with WHO on Nov. 3 at the Lexus tent at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on Derby Day, Jacobs admits life has been difficult, but he is looking to the future with a sense of positivity.
“I’ve certainly [taken] an unexpected side step,” he explains. “I’ve been thrown a few curveballs, which were unexpected, and unwanted. But I suppose these things happen in life, and they give you character, and make you stronger and you move forward. And that is what I need to do. What else can you do?”
Jacobs continues to work part-time for the Nine’s Today show, and also has a new travel show with the network – which has stood by its star.
“It’s nice to get out and meet people and see some familiar faces here today,” Jacobs says. “And to get back into the industry after a year-and-a-half away, living in the coconut trees in Vanuatu. It’s nice to come back, and be welcomed back into your little entertainment community. Everyone has been so amazing, and so welcoming. I feel like this is the place I need to be.”
As well as his work with Nine, Jacobs is juggling his time commitments with his dad duties.
“I am living in Bondi, and I have got my girls every two weeks – they are just my absolute life,” he says. “I took them to Taylor Swift last night, actually. So a bit of Tay Tay last night, and a bit of Derby Day today – a bit of ‘ kid time’, a bit of ‘dad time.’ ”
And although it has taken him a while to adjust to his new circumstances, Jacobs says he’s feeling good about his life again.
“This is my first ever Derby Day as a single man, which is a little bit different. But it’s great,” he says. “It’s a good chance to catch up with mates, and good friends – I have had a lot of support around me.
“My best mate, and godfather of my kids, Michael, he is here. And Tommy, he is one of the producers at the Today show.” •