Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster's romance 'hits roadblock' as the Aussie actor's new girlfriend finds herself relating to his ex-wife: 'She's starting to understand how Deb felt'

Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster are struggling to strike a work-life balance as their new romance blossoms, according to a report.

The couple, who went public with their relationship last year, are lacking 'quality time together' and have 'hit a major roadblock', an insider told Woman's Day this week. 

Jackman's full slate of work commitments has given Foster some empathy for what Hugh's former wife Deborra-Lee Furness may have experienced in their marriage, the source alleges. 

'Hugh's a workaholic and she's starting to understand how lonely Deb must have felt at times,' the insider told the publication. 

Sutton is also busy with her own career, in addition to raising her daughter, Emily Dale, nine, whom the American actress shares with her ex-husband, screenwriter Ted Griffin.

'Sutton's finding it hard to be by Hugh's side at so many events and he invites her to every single one,' the insider continued. 

'It's not that she's shy, but she's busy with her own career and still has a young daughter to raise.

'Sadly, the biggest casualty of all is Hugh and Sutton finding quality time together – they're like passing ships sometimes.' 

Jackman, 57, has had a number of film projects in the works. 

In addition to his recent starring roles in The Sheep Detectives and The Death of Robin Hood, the Australian actor is slated for the lead in the Treasure Island remake. 

He will play pirate Long John Silver in the Ridley Scott film, which also stars Bill Skarsgard and Jodie Comer.

Hugh's relationship with the Younger actress, 51, has been the centre of scrutiny since they made it public last January.

The Wolverine star was recently slammed by his own fans for posting a loved-up photo with girlfriend Foster at the premiere of his new film. 

Posting to Instagram, Jackman uploaded a smiling snap alongside his girlfriend at AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York, adding the caption: 'And we're off to the premiere of Death of Robin Hood.'

In the image, a beaming Hugh was seen wrapping his arm around the waist of his lover, as she ecstatically threw one arm up in the air. 

'I see your pics I think of how heartbroken Deb must be,' one user wrote. 

Another added: 'This is so cringy.' 

'Bro, stop posting pictures with her. Literally no one supports this relationship,' someone else commented.  

Last month, Jackman was also slammed for attending this year's Met Gala in New York City with Foster.

The actor's shocking move was seen as a brutal final blow to his ex-wife when they arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, tenderly holding hands as they posed for photos.

The actor finalised his divorce from Furness last June, after 27 years of marriage, while his romance with Foster began in late 2024, following their starring roles in Broadway's 2021 revival of The Music Man.

Jackman and his ex-wife previously attended multiple Met Galas, with their last joint appearance being in 2023.