Sutton Foster Exposes Challenges of Leading Ladies

's new girlfriend  has opened up about the 'lonely' times of her life, despite her relationship thrusting her into the public eye.

The veteran Broadway actress, 51, was recently part of a Women's Health Lab panel in called The Science of Staying Strong, in which she discussed how isolated she often feels in her high-profile role.

'I've been a leading lady for a long time... but often I feel really alone,' Sutton began.

'I reached out to a lot of my contemporaries last year, and a lot of the women on Broadway, and we all are usually on our own. Everyone shared the commonality of loneliness.' 

Sutton then appeared to allude to the perceived tension between her and Hugh Jackman's ex-wife Deborra-Lee Furness,

'Women of power can actually support each other. We don't have to be pitted against each other,' Sutton said. 

Last week, it was revealed that Hugh, 57, and Sutton were reportedly left 'blindsided' by a shock request from his ex-wife.

Hugh and Sutton  – and now she wants to meet her ex-husband's new partner

However, Deb has no intention of causing trouble for the pair and wants to meet so they can all move forward. 

'This isn't about Deb being angry or wanting to read Sutton the riot act. It's about closure,' an insider told this week's New Idea magazine.

They added that while Deborra was initially reluctant to meet, she now wants to in an attempt to minimise some of the perceived tension.

'At this point it feels like something she needs to check off her list, if only to put an end to the awkwardness... also so she can speak her truth,' the insider added.

They said that Hugh and Sutton had been very public about their new romance, which had come as a shock to Deborra, as they were visiting all the places that she used to go to with the Wolverine actor. 

The source said that Hugh and Sutton were surprised by Deborra's request – but were open to the idea so they could clear the air of any perceived tension.