Rumours Swirl as Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker’s On-Screen Chemistry Sparks Off-Screen Speculation
Whispers are circulating in Hollywood and back home in Australia regarding a potential romance between Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman and fellow Aussie star Simon Baker. The speculation, fuelled by their public appearances and on-screen portrayal as a married couple in the new Amazon Prime series Scarpetta, has reportedly left those closest to the actors feeling blindsided and confused.
The most significant fallout appears to be for Simon Baker’s ex-wife, Rebecca Rigg. Sources close to Rigg reveal she is “shocked and confused” by the ongoing rumours linking her former husband to Kidman, who is described as Rigg’s “childhood friend” and “like a sister.” The pair, both 58, grew up in the same Sydney suburbs and share a bond forged over decades.
An insider confided in New Idea magazine, stating, “She loves Nicole like a sister, they’ve been through so much over the years so it’s extremely shocking for her to get her head round this.” The source further indicated Rigg’s dismay that neither Kidman nor Baker had directly addressed the rampant speculation with her, especially after the pair were photographed holding hands on the red carpet at the Scarpetta premiere.
“Rebecca is totally in the dark about Nicole and Simon’s current status,” the insider explained. “A lot of their mutual friends assume their hand-holding was a cheesy stunt for the show.” However, the observed behaviour has cast doubt on this assumption. “But the way they’re evading questions about their status and then spending all this cosy time together is giving a lot more validity (to the rumours).”
The close relationship between Baker and Rigg, despite their separation in 2020, is highlighted. “They (Simon and Rebecca) split many years ago. They’re still co-raising their kids and pride themselves on having a totally transparent relationship,” the source continued. “For Nicole to act all coy is really breaking the girl code.”
Rebecca Rigg herself is an accomplished actress, with a career spanning both Australian and international productions. Her credits include a notable role in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire, a film also featuring Nicole Kidman’s ex-husband, Tom Cruise. The deep connection between Kidman and Rigg is further underscored by Kidman’s role as godmother to Rigg’s daughter, Stella Baker, an actress in her own right.
Keith Urban Reportedly “Blindsided” by Romance Rumours
The ripple effect of these rumours extends beyond Rigg’s circle. Nicole Kidman’s ex-husband, country music superstar Keith Urban, is also reportedly feeling “blindsided” by the swiftness with which Kidman appears to be moving on from their separation last year.
Kidman, 58, and Baker, 56, who portray a married couple in Scarpetta, were a picture of togetherness at the show’s New York premiere earlier this month. Their hand-holding and beaming smiles have been a focal point of media attention. At the event, Kidman commented on their chemistry, stating it “just vibrates,” while Baker offered a coy “I don’t kiss and tell.”
This public display has reportedly taken a toll on Urban, 58. An insider told Woman’s Day magazine, “Seeing Nicole and Simon holding hands was the equivalent of seeing his best mate with his missus, and it did a number on him.” The source added that Urban understood Kidman might lean on Baker for support, particularly given Baker’s supportive role for Naomi Watts following her split from Liev Schreiber.
However, the hope for Urban is that the public displays are merely for promotional purposes. “He was seriously hoping that Nicole and Simon were just having fun for the cameras, as a genuine romance between them would devastate him.”
The premiere event itself saw Kidman and Baker remain close throughout the evening, reinforcing the narrative of their strong connection. The long-standing friendship between Kidman and Baker, which predates their Scarpetta collaboration, is well-documented. This decades-long bond, coupled with Kidman’s close friendship with Baker’s ex-wife Rigg, adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced suggesting that Kidman’s close circle of A-list friends were encouraging her to re-enter the dating scene following her divorce. Notably, her friend Naomi Watts was rumoured to have suggested that the Oscar winner consider dating fellow Australian star Simon Baker. The current speculation, however, suggests that the tentative steps towards dating might have already taken a more significant turn, leaving many of those closest to the stars in a state of surprise and emotional upheaval.
