The Biggest Loser’s Steve ‘Commando’ Willis reveals the ‘challenges’ of co-parenting… after his ex Michelle Bridges was found guilty of drink driving with their son Axel in the car
Former Biggest Loser trainer Steve ‘Commando’ Willis has spoken candidly about the ‘challenges’ of co-parenting his four children to three different ex-partners.
The 44-year-old revealed in an interview with Monday’s New Idea that having a blended family can sometimes be hard due to ‘compromises with exes and the challenges that come with that’.
In addition to his own children, Steve’s new girlfriend, F45 trainer Harika Vancuylenberg, also has two kids of her own from a previous relationship.
The ex factor: Former Biggest Loser trainer Steve ‘Commando’ Willis has spoken candidly about the ‘challenges’ of co-parenting his four children to three different ex-partners. Pictured with his son Axel and most recent ex-partner, Michelle Bridges
Steve’s four children include his eldest daughter, Brianna, 21, from an early relationship; daughter Ella, 12, and son Jack, nine, from his relationship with ex-partner Froso; and son Axel, four, whom he shares with Michelle Bridges.
‘That can sometimes be hard when sometimes you’re quite upset and angry, or the other parent in the circumstance isn’t doing things the way you’d like them to be doing things,’ he said.
Despite the occasional difference of opinion, Steve believes time can be a great healer, adding that parents often communicate with each other better once a relationship ends.
Blended family: Steve has four children to three separate exes: daughter Brianna, 21, from an early relationship; daughter Ella, 12, and son Jack, nine, from his relationship with ex-partner Froso; and son Axel, four, whom he shares with Michelle Bridges
Making headlines: In January this year, Commando and Michelle announced their split. At about this time, Michelle was arrested for drink driving with her son, Axel, in the car
Steve’s romance with Harika was thrust into the spotlight earlier this year, after Michelle’s arrest in January for drink driving while her son, Axel, was in the car.
After being arrested on Australia Day, Michelle pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving, was fined $750 and had her licence disqualified for three months.
A tearful Michelle said outside court: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep remorse, shame and humiliation [over] this incident and extreme lack of judgment.
‘I would like to apologise to my family, friends and community for this gross error in judgment and the consequences of these actions will haunt me forever.’
Challenges: The 44-year-old said in an interview with New Idea that having a blended family can sometimes be hard due to ‘compromises with exes and the challenges that come with that’
Penalty: After being arrested on Australia Day, Michelle pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving, was fined $750 and had her licence disqualified for three months
In September, Steve told The Daily Telegraph that he only speaks about his ex-partners in a ‘positive light’ for the sake of his children.
‘My children are their mother and me and [you need] to be mindful of that part within them and talk of the other parent in a positive light because otherwise children start to question their identity,’ he said.
Meanwhile, rumours are swirling that Steve and girlfriend Harika are getting ready to tie the knot.
He told New Idea he was ‘very committed’ to his partner, after they launched their own business and moved in together.
New love: Commando is now dating F45 trainer Harika Vancuylenberg (pictured)