They’ve only recently renewed their friendship, more than a decade after their shock divorce left Jennifer Aniston heartbroken. But now, it appears the growing bond between the star and Brad Pitt could be in jeopardy as he reunites with ex-wife Angelina Jolie to support their children.
Brad, 56, is rumoured to be on friendly terms with Angelina, 44, following multiple reports of issues around custody, after she gave her blessing for him to reunite with the children they share – including his estranged 18-year-old adopted son Maddox – ahead of their daughter Shiloh’s 14th birthday at the end of last month, after lockdown rules were relaxed. In the US, up to ten people could gather on private property as long as social distancing was respected.
It follows reports the actor, 56, and his Maleficent actress ex, 44 – who split in 2016 – had come together to spend more time with their kids.
Reports from the US last month claim Brad and Angelina have been “getting on better” but it has been a gradual process.
Check out: celebrity splits that rocked the world
RADIO Celebrity splits that shocked the world - slider
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth
Singer Miley Cyrus split from actor Liam Hemsworth in August 2019, despite only getting married in December 2018. Liam released a statement on Instagram, reading, ''Hi all. Just a quick note to say that Miley and I have recently separated and I wish her nothing but health and happiness going forward.'This is a private matter and I have not made, nor will I be making, any comments to any journalists or media outlets. Any reported quotes attributed to me are false. Peace and Love.'
Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris
Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris seemed very loved up with each other, until they split in 2016 and ended things on very bad terms! Calvin even ended up having a Twitter rant about his ex.
Jake Roche and Jesy Nelson
Despite popping the question to Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, Rixton frontman Jake Roche couldn't make his relationship work with Jesy, causing the pair to split in 2016.
Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux
After two years of marriage, Friends actress Jennifer Aniston and her husband Justin Theroux announced their split in February 2018. Jen said, "We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship."
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan
After meeting on the set of Step Up in 2006, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan announced their marriage was over in April 2018. Revealing they are still great friends, the couple decided it was time to go their separate ways after almost nine years of marriage.
Jake Quickenden and Danielle Fogarty
Dancing On Ice winner Jake Quickenden and Danielle Fogarty split in April 2018, despite being engaged. Speaking in early May, Jake appeared on Lorraine and said the couple are having time apart to focus on their busy work schedules. However, Jake did add, "There's not a bad word. I was with her on Monday, we still talk and I still love her to bits, but sometimes you've got to go away to come back."
Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville
After meeting on Love Island 2017, things seemed to be going very well for Gabby Allen and former Blazin' Squad member Marcel Somerville. But in May 2018 allegations that Marcel had cheated on Gabby whilst they were on holiday together surfaced, leading Gabby to reportedly 'dump' Marcel.
Ariana Grande and Mac Miller
Ariana Grande and Mac Miller announced they had split up in May 2018. The couple had been together for two year and even recorded some duets together. They reportedly chose to end their relationship due to their busy work schedules.
Cheryl Tweedy and Liam Payne
After a two year romance and a baby boy, Cheryl Tweedy and Liam Payne announced they'd decided to go their separate ways on Sunday 1st July 2018. Releasing a joint tweet, the statement read, 'We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It's been a tough decision for us to make. We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together.' [sic]
Alexandra 'Binky' Felstead and Josh 'JP' Patterson
Despite welcoming their daughter India into the world in 2017, Made In Chelsea stars Binky and JP announced their shock split in September 2018. The couple, who vowed to remain friends with their daughter being their number one priority, released a statement on Instagram.
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson reportedly split in October 2018 after being engaged for four months.
Anna Faris and Chris Pratt
Hollywood actors Anna Faris and Chris Pratt announced their split in August 2017. The pair shocked the world as they always seemed so loved up at events since marrying in 2004.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
When 'Brangelina' announced they were getting a divorce in 2016, fans were left in shock. The pair had been dating since 2004 and married in 2014. They have six children together.
Fergie and Josh Duhamel
Fergie and Josh Duhamel's split rocked fans in September 2017. The couple said, "With absolute love and respect we decided to separate." The pair were married for eight years.
Perrie Edwards and Zayn Malik
Former One Direction star Zayn Malik popped the question to Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, but just a few months later Zayn dumped his fiancé by text!
Dougie Poynter and Ellie Goulding
Hearts broke all over the world when Ellie Goulding and Dougie Poynter announced their split. After rekindling their romance for a few months, they finally called it quits in 2016. Ellie is now engaged to Caspar Jopling.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Another massive shock in the world of celeb relationships! Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes split in 2012 after six years of marriage. The pair share their daughter Suri together.
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow
After 10 years of marriage, actress Gwyneth Paltrow announced her split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The split became famous because the former couple bizarrely entitled it 'Conscious Uncoupling.'
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner split in 2010 but have since remained great friends and co-parent their children.
Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney
Pop superstar Lady Gaga shocked her fans in 2016 when she revealed herself and her partner Taylor Kinney were 'taking a break' after a five-year relationship.
Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom
They were one of Hollywood's hottest couples, so it was a major shock to fans when Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom announced their split in 2013. The pair had been married for just three years.
Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green
Professor Green split with former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh in 2016, just three years after they married. Millie is now dating her ex-boyfriend Hugo Taylor.
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale
Singers Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale ended their marriage in 2016. The couple have three children together, Zuma, Apollo and Kingston.
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom
They went through a number of ups and downs but Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom's relationship ended after four years of marriage, with Khloe filling for divorce from the basketball player.
Will Arnett and Amy Poehler
Will Arnett and Amy Poehler separated back in 2012 after nine years of marriage, but it took until 2016 for the couple's divorce to be finalised!
Previous claims said Brad does not have contact with Maddox and Pax – but a source tells Closer Angelina was instrumental in smoothing things over to ensure the whole family could reunite for Shiloh’s birthday, with Brad ensuring everyone adhered to the guidelines and was safe.
Now insiders say Jen, 51 – who broke up with Brad in 2005, after rumours he’d become close to his Mr. & Mrs. Smithco-star Angelina – is upset over the reunion, which has opened old wounds at a time she’s considering adopting a child, with Brad’s help.
A source says, “Things are finally on an even keel with Brad and Angelina after a messy split. Brad clearly prioritises the kids and made such an effort for Shiloh’s birthday. But the shift in Brad’s behaviour and his rekindled friendship with Angelina has left Jen feeling a bit uneasy. She understands the children come first, but she can’t help wondering how this new dynamic might affect things between them.”
Brad and Jen have formed an increasingly close friendship since their reconciliation at her fiftieth birthday bash in February last year. According to sources, Brad has played a major role in convincing her to go ahead with plans to adopt a child.
Read more
Sarah Jessica Parker reaches out to Kim Cattrall to heal feud
Watch: 'They do set up some chats': Sophie and Leanne expose the show's workings | Love Island Secrets
Jen – who recently hinted at having children in the future, saying, “I see kids running, I hear ice in a glass... That’s the joyous snapshot in my head” – is said to have come a long way since the painful early days of their divorce when she reportedly cried during a Vanity Fair interview, explaining she was “lonely, upset, and confused.”
But pals are concerned that Brad’s renewed closeness with his ex could stir up fresh heartache for the star.
The source says, “It’s taken years for Jen to build up the trust between her and Brad. She’s loved them reconnecting and had been hopeful he could be a part of her life as she forges ahead with her adoption plans. But with Ange now back in the mix, she fears it might not happen.”
Jen and Brad’s split sparked a media furore at the time. Fans split into “Team Jen” and “Team Ange”, with many sympathetic to Jen losing the love of her life to another woman.
A 'Friends' version of Cards Against Humanity exists and we need it immediately
Friends Cards Against Humanity
The One With All The Cards Game for Friend
We may receive commission for purchases made through our links
Jen also told American Vogue that what Angelina did was “very uncool”, referring to Angelina saying that her children – including Pax, 16, and 11-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne – could see where their parents fell in love by watching Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which was filmed while Brad and Jen were still married.
Recent reports have also claimed that Angelina had allegedly banned her ex-husband from letting their children spend time with Jen, with insiders now saying tensions between the women are brewing again.
The source says, “There’s no love lost between Jen and Ange and it’s no secret they’ll never be friends because of the history between them.
“Jen feels as though she and Brad were really getting somewhere, and now their friendship might be put on the backburner as he turns his focus to Ange and the kids.”
Read even more celeb stories in Closer each week. Can't get to the shops? No problem - find out how to get Closer magazine at home.