THE WOMAN WHO SAVED MATT NEWTON

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS SHED LIGHT ON THE STAR’S MARRIED LIFE IN AMERICA

- Karleigh Smith

Not much more than a decade ago, grave fears were held for Matthew Newton – the only son of the late showbiz great, Bert Newton, and his wife, Patti.

In 2010, Matt’s parents revealed he was struggling with mental health issues after returning to Australia from a holiday in Italy. It was here he allegedly physically assaulted his ex, actress Rachael Taylor. Crippled with mental illness and addiction issues, even his mum and dad were forced to distance themselves.

Two years later, Matthew fled to New York after a string of reported violent incidents – including the alleged assault of another former girlfriend, Brooke Satchwell, and punching a Sydney cab driver. It was a move that likely saved him.