Fans went into a frenzy last week when it was announced that Jennifer Aniston and her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, were reuniting on screen for the first time since Brad appeared on then-wife Jen’s show Friends nearly 20 years ago. Along with Julia Roberts, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey, they were set to take part last week in a charity all-star table reading of hit ’80s movie comedy, Fast Times At Ridgemont High.
Now, insiders reveal that Jen, 51, is once again “closer than ever” to Brad, 56, despite briefly drifting apart when he and his estranged wife Angelina Jolie made amends in May.
The warring exes were said to have reconciled for daughter Shiloh’s 14th birthday, as well as twins Knox and Vivienne’s 12th birthday celebrations in the summer. But their divorce saga reportedly soured again, when Brad accused Angelina of stalling proceedings after asking for the private judge overseeing their case to be removed.
Last week, reports claimed Brad was ready to “fight back” after believing Angelina had gone “too far” after trying to get the judge assigned to their case removed, claiming he had “failed to make timely mandatory disclosures of ongoing business and professional relationships” between himself and Brad’s legal team. And now, amid claims the actress wants to relocate to the UK with their six children, pals say Jen has once again been supporting her ex.
“There’d been rumours the move might be on the cards for a while,” says the source. “Brad wasn’t sure he’d hear from Jen, so he was really touched when she called. She knows him better than most and knows how stressed and upset he’d have been by the bombshell. They’ve been spending time together amid Jen’s effort to help lift his spirits and be a source of comfort when he’s admittedly feeling defeated and hopeless about Ange’s shock move.
“They have an unbreakable bond of friendship and Jen will always be there for him. It doesn’t take much for them to be closer than ever again and they were stoked to be working together.”
Closer also recently told how Brad had been offering advice to Jen amid her reported plans to adopt a child from Mexico. And while his support stalled while relations thawed with Angelina, he’s back onside. His role as father to Maddox, 19, Zahara, 15, and Pax, 16 – who were adopted from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam – has left him well versed in the complex process.
Check out: the most jaw-dropping celebrity breakovers
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Lisa Armstrong breakover
Make-up artist Lisa Armstrong's marriage to TV legend Ant McPartlin crumbled in early 2018, with Ant moving on pretty quickly with their former PA Anne-Marie Corbett. Ouch.
Lisa Armstrong breakover
But despite the headlines, Lisa has kept a dignified silence, choosing instead to communicate through Twitter than sell her story to a publication. And can we talk about her KILLER revenge breakover? From loosing weight to dying her hair all the colours of the rainbow.
Una Healy breakover
Una Healy and rugby player Ben Foden announced their split in July 2018 after six years of marriage.
Una Healy breakover
And when she returned to social media after some time out, Una shocked fans when she traded her famous copper locks from a fabulous icy blonde 'do. Truly giving meaning to the saying, 'shake that man out of your hair'. Go girl!
Kerry Katona breakover
Former Atomic Kitten singer and mum-of-five Kerry Katona split from third husband George Kay in June 2018 after a 'string of fiery rows'.
Kerry Katona breakover
And since the split, which she described as 'like a death', she spent time eating healthily and getting back in the gym to 'get back to herself'. Oh, and uncover her rock-hard abs.
Khloe Kardashian
Khloe Kardashian has always been brutally honest about her struggle with body confidence. Labelled the 'fat' Kardashian (so mean) for years, she used her split from basketball player and former husband Lamar Odom to transform her mind, body and soul and it WORKED.
Khloe Kardashian
She even landed her own show, Revenge Body, in 2017 to help other transform their lives. Way to go, Ko Ko!
Kourtney Kardashian
Mum-of-three Kourtney Kardashian, 's on/off relationship with baby daddy Scott has been one of KUWTK's major storylines over the years. And with the various splits, Scott's battle with alcohol and many cheating accusations came Kourt's INCREDIBLE breakover, from her sassy attitude to her killer bod.
Kourtney Kardashain
Silly to let that one go, ey Scott?
Katy Perry before
Katy Perry married actor and comedian Russell Brand in October 2010 and together the pair had quite a striking look, both boasting envious heads of luscious long dark hair.
Katy Perry breakover
Since their divorce in 2012, Katy has had a number of high profile relationships (most recently re-igniting her romance with Orlando Bloom). The singer has also drastically transformed her look multiple times.
Perrie Edwards before
Perrie and Zayn met on the set of The X Factor in 2011 and were together for four years (engaged for two) before Zayn dumped Perrie by TEXT.
Perrie Edwards now
Talk about a glow up! Perrie has well and truly moved on from her former fiance and is now in a happy relationship with footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The source says, “It’s been very up and down with Brad and Ange and while initially he was very active in supporting Jen on adoption, it stalled a little. But now they’ve grown closer again, they have spoken more regularly, especially around how long the process takes and the frustrations around that.
“Brad knows Jen’s also had a difficult time and he’s been helping her navigate some of the logistics of the adoption process, which has served as a great distraction for them both.”
Following Brad’s split from Angelina, 45, in 2016, and Jen’s divorce from Justin Theroux, 49, in 2018, nostalgic fans have been desperate for the pair to reunite. Millions went into meltdown when they were snapped looking close at the Screen Actors Guild awards in January – the first time they’d been seen together for over 15 years.
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And now, pals say that Brad – who credited actor Bradley Cooper for helping him get sober following his struggles with alcohol – has also been adopting her mindfulness techniques to keep up his spirits.
The source says, “Jen swears by Pilates, yoga and daily meditation to stave off anxiety and stress, as well as taking extended technology breaks – something she joked is like taking ice cream away from a toddler with Brad!
“He’s admitted he’s benefited from her ‘self-care sessions’ as Jen calls them, as well as hikes with her dogs, Clyde and Sophie, near his Malibu home, and having that familiar source of comfort to talk to.
“The kindness and love Jen’s shown him over the last few months has further cemented his love and adoration of her and, after seeing the sparkle back in Jen’s eyes, it’s clear that the feeling is mutual.”
Read the best celeb stories in Closer magazine each week.