How Jen’s new man healed her heartache over Brad
As Jennifer Aniston has reportedly found love again with a mystery man, insiders reveal the new romance has helped her to establish distance and boundaries from ex Brad Pitt following their recent reconciliation
While she has remained single since her 2018 marriage split from Justin Theroux, it has not stopped her love life from hitting the headlines – thanks to her reconciliation with first husband Brad Pitt, with whom she’s formed a close friendship over the past few years.
But any glimmer of hope of a romantic reunion between Hollywood’s former golden couple appeared to be dashed last week amid fresh reports that Jennifer Aniston, 52, has found love again with a “downto-earth, handsome” man who “makes her laugh and feel safe”.
She first sparked speculation that a new man was in her life in November, when she shared a snap to Instagram with a mystery man’s legs in the background, prompting questions from fans as to who they belonged to.
US sources say Jen finds it “so refreshing” that her new beau was not a Friends fan, adding that they shared a love of “independent and foreign films, cooking, and dogs.” Now insiders tell Closer that, while it is still early days, the star of Apple TV+ series The Morning Show has told pals this could be her third time lucky.
A source says, “Jen’s on cloud nine and can’t keep the smile off her face. She notoriously hates being set up, but this happened very organically with someone she met on set filming the second series of The Morning Show. It very much took her by surprise.
“He gave her a portrait of her beloved late dog Dolly for her birthday, which really touched her, and hired the head chef from her favourite Mexican restaurant to cook a dinner on Valentine’s Day.”
REUNION
Shortly after their 2005 divorce, Jen admitted she was “shocked” when rumours that her then husband Brad, 57, had fallen for Angelina Jolie, 45, on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith were confirmed.
But following the end of Jen’s marriage to Justin, the pair had formed a closer bond, with fans going into a frenzy over hopes of a romantic reunion after Brad attended her 50th birthday bash in
❛ SHE CAN’T KEEP THE SMILE OFF HER FACE – IT VERY MUCH TOOK HER BY SURPRISE ❜
February 2019. They later sent the internet into overdrive when they were seen embracing behind the scenes at the SAG Awards in January 2020, following the breakdown of his marriage to Angelina in 2016.
Then, last September, the pair reunited online for a charity read-through of the script of 1982 classic comedy movie Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Brad was seen blushing as his ex read to him, “I think you’re so sexy. Will you come to me?”
RUMOURS
But earlier this month insiders told Closer how Jen was forced to remind herself of the boundaries of their newfound friendship after being left upset over rumours Brad could be fathering a child with his ex, Nicole Poturalski, 28.
Now pals say since meeting her new man, Jen has started to carve out a different dynamic with Brad – and moving on romantically has ensured she has finally put to bed any hope of a romance with him.
The source says, “Jen’s incredibly spiritual and truly believes in good karma having a knock-on effect on every aspect of your life. For Jen, having any unresolved feelings for an ex seeps out into new romances, and she’s aware how that can affect things. Being on good terms with both Justin and Brad is important to her.
“Her new man is very open and understanding of her continued friendships, and it’s another reason why Jen was so attracted to him – he isn’t threatened by her past.
“While Jen admitted that lines may have been blurred in the past with Brad, she’s put strict boundaries in place to ensure her new partner never feels threatened. It’s given her the push to establish some healthy distance and heal any heartache she may feel about her past with Brad.
“She’s now mindful about their dynamic. She won’t pick up Brad’s calls while she’s with her boyfriend, but she is happy to invite him alongside her other pals on group meet-ups.”
Jen’s amicable relationship with her exes was even said to have inspired her BFF, Courteney Cox, to accept the offer to appear in Scream 5 amid concerns over working with her ex-husband, David Arquette, 49 – who she met while filming the first film in the franchise in 1996.
Pals revealed how Jen urged Courteney, 56, to keep her emotions in check and remain professional at all times amid her fears their familiarity could cause tension on set and affect their amicable relationship co-parenting their 16-year-old daughter Coco.
ADOPTION
Insiders have also told Closer how Jen – who last year hinted that motherhood was still on the cards when she revealed she sees “kids running” in her future – is adopting a much-longed-for child from a Mexican orphanage of which she has long been a supporter.
And pals say while she was preparing for single parenthood, the actress’ new man has vowed to support and help bring her child up together as a family.
The source adds, “Jen was initially concerned about breaking the adoption news to him, and feared it could scare him off – especially as he already has teenage kids of his own.
“But his reaction of overwhelming support and admiration for her made her realise just how special he is and further cemented the relationship – telling pals while it may have taken her 52 years, she may finally be getting her dream come true.” By Daisy McLure