Rumours are swirling that Nicole Kidman is growing exceptionally close to her Scarpetta co-star Simon Baker, with reports suggesting her ex-husband Keith Urban is deeply distressed by the apparent new connection. The pair, who portray a married couple in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Scarpetta, were photographed holding hands and beaming together at the show's star-studded New York premiere earlier this month.
Premiere Chemistry Sparks Speculation
At the event on March 3, Kidman, 58, openly acknowledged their on-screen chemistry, describing it as something that 'just vibrates'. Baker, 56, added a playful note by quipping, 'I don't kiss and tell'. Their affectionate display, staying side-by-side throughout the night, has fuelled intense speculation about a potential romance blossoming off-screen.
Urban's Reported Heartache
Sources indicate that Urban, 58, is devastated by Kidman's rumoured involvement with Baker, particularly given the swift timeline following their separation last year. An insider revealed to Woman's Day magazine this week, '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 elaborated that Urban had harboured suspicions about their closeness during filming, making the public display a painful confirmation. 'He knew it was natural for her to lean on Simon – he was also there for Naomi Watts after her split from Liev Schreiber – but this has become his worst nightmare,' the insider added.
Hopes for Publicity Stunt Dashed
Urban is reportedly clinging to the hope that the hand-holding and affectionate behaviour were merely orchestrated for media attention. However, even that possibility feels like a betrayal, according to the source. 'Keith is hoping they're just hamming it up for headlines. But even then it feels to him like it's a betrayal because both Nicole and Simon know how much even the hint of a romance between them will hurt him.'
The insider emphasised Urban's shock at Kidman seemingly flaunting a new relationship so soon after their divorce, noting it contradicts their agreement to prioritise their daughters' wellbeing. 'He's in total shock that she would flaunt a new relationship so soon after their divorce. It's not what they agreed on for the sake of the girls.'
Decades-Long Friendship Complicates Matters
Kidman and Baker have maintained a close platonic friendship for decades, with Kidman and Naomi Watts serving as godmothers to Baker's children. This longstanding bond adds layers to the current rumours. According to reports, it was Watts who suggested Baker play Kidman's lover in Scarpetta, based on Patricia Cornwell's book series.
Despite Baker's history of flirtatious public comments about Kidman, sources claim she is 'too scared' to risk damaging their friendship or her relationship with Baker's ex-wife, Rebecca Rigg, from whom he separated in 2020.
Background of Kidman and Urban's Split
Kidman and Urban's separation was confirmed in late September, with Kidman filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. Their marriage reportedly began to unravel in the summer of 2025, following months of quiet separation and diverging career paths that created distance between them.
In January, it was reported that Kidman's friends, including Watts, were encouraging her to re-enter the dating scene post-divorce. However, the current situation with Baker appears to have unfolded unexpectedly, leaving Urban grappling with the emotional fallout as he witnesses Kidman leaning on another man in ways she once relied on him.
