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Montarna’s Ex Sparks Romance and Society Drama!
Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip before it makes the news.It's a small world ...
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It's a small world in the east...
The lawyer ex-husband of socialite Montarna McDonald has debuted his new girlfriend - and there's one rather awkward detail that hasn't gone unnoticed.
Nick Pitt's leading lady shares the same last name as his ex-wife. Yes, really.
His latest squeeze is Ashleigh McDonald, the founder and CEO of exclusive advisory and membership collective 42 Private.
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And because this is Sydney high society - where somehow everyone is connected by marriage, money or mutual friends - there's an even more eyebrow-raising twist.
Nick Pitt's new flame Ashleigh McDonald shares the same surname as his ex-wife Montarna
Ashleigh (left) is the younger sister of Amber Keating, formerly Mrs Aussie John Symond. The Pitts (right) split in late 2024 but were rumoured to have tried couples therapy last year
Publicity powerhouse Montarna (left), founder of The Audience Agency, is pictured with Pilates instructor Bernadette Fahey (right), arriving at Mimi's in Coogee in September last year
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Ashleigh is the younger sister of Amber Symond... who was the stepmother of one of Montarna's closest friends, Deborah Symond O'Neil... when Amber was married to Deb's father, 'Aussie John' Symond, from 2016 to 2023.
Following that separation, Amber reverted to the surname of her ex-husband, Patrick Keating, the father of her two children and son of former prime minister Paul Keating.
Did you get all that? My head hurt writing it. But back to the former Pitts...
Nick and Montarna, who share two daughters, quietly called time on their marriage in late 2024.
Montarna later made headlines by throwing a 'divorce party' on the eve of what would have been their six-year wedding anniversary, which was attended by several big names in the eastern suburbs, including Caroline Tran and heiress Louise O'Neil.
Insiders say the former couple attended therapy last year in a last-ditch attempt to repair the relationship, but ultimately decided they were better off focusing on co-parenting than rekindling their romance.
Soirée to sunrise
It was the sort of soirée Sydney's eastern suburbs does best - a no-expense-spared affair with free-flowing champagne and a glittering guest list. By Sunday morning, there were no doubt more than a few sore heads after Poppy Tzaneros (née O'Neil) celebrated her 40th in lavish style.
By Sunday morning, there were no doubt more than a few sore heads after Poppy Tzaneros (left) celebrated her 40th birthday in lavish style
Sisters-in-law Deborah Symond O'Neil, Lou O'Neil and Poppy Tzaneros are pictured
Condom heir Michael Porter is seen alongside birthday girl Poppy and Gigi Penna (right)
Back in February, Chief Justice Will Alstergren emailed his fellow judges to formally confirm his romance with Justice Mansini following his marital separation. (Pictured together)
A new rumour - which I have not yet been able to confirm - is that Alstergren may be finding his way back to his estranged wife, Kate. (The former couple is pictured together)
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