Greek Australian Chef Anna Polyviou Finds Love After Friendship With TV Star

13 Nov 2026, 01:01 by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City Times

Greek Australian celebrity chef Anna Polyviou and television presenter Irene Jones have revealed how an unexpected romance developed from friendship, shared Greek heritage and a partnership formed during difficult periods in their lives.

The MasterChef Australia star and the Travel Oz presenter kept their relationship private for around four months before announcing they were together publicly on November 8.

Anna Polyviou and Irene Jones: The Story Behind Their Love

But behind their new relationship is a deeply personal story involving grief, major life changes and a connection neither woman had anticipated.

For Jones, rebuilding her life followed the devastating death of her 24-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, in May 2023.

A mother’s decision to keep moving forward

Jones was away celebrating Mother’s Day weekend with her sister when she received a phone call from her husband informing her that Kaitlin had died.

In an emotional essay published by Mamamia in September 2025, Jones described the moment as one that changed her life forever.

The tragedy was compounded on the day of her daughter’s funeral, when Jones also learned that her childhood friend Craig had died. He had been someone she relied on during her grief and had helped with arrangements for Kaitlin’s memorial.

Jones later described the grief as an experience that nearly destroyed her.

However, she made a personal commitment to keep living and make the most of the opportunities her daughter would never have.

She wrote that every day was a choice, recognising that Kaitlin had no more days ahead while she still had the opportunity to live a meaningful life.

That decision eventually led Jones to establish Travelglobe, a company specialising in tailored travel experiences, and return to television as a presenter on Travel Oz.

It also opened the door to a friendship that would change her life again.

How Anna and Irene met

The pair first connected in 2024 after Polyviou asked her Instagram followers for recommendations for an upcoming trip to Paris.

Jones, who works in travel, responded and the two began talking.

Their shared Greek heritage helped establish an immediate connection, eventually leading to a professional collaboration involving a Greek travel tour that sold out.

The friendship grew into a business partnership and, eventually, the two began living together.

Both women were navigating the end of long-term relationships. Polyviou had recently separated after a 17-year relationship, while Jones had ended her marriage of more than two decades.

Neither initially expected their friendship to become romantic.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Polyviou recalled how she began to recognise her feelings after Jones travelled away for work.

She sent her a message saying: “Oh, so weird, but I miss you.”

When Jones returned, Polyviou made the first move.

“And then I think when you came back, I kind of pashed her,” the chef admitted.

The couple said they had been dating for four months before making their relationship public.

A connection that extends beyond romance

Jones has spoken about the emotional significance of meeting Polyviou following the loss of her daughter.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, she said she sometimes feels Kaitlin sent Anna into her life.

“There are things Anna does which remind me of something Kaitie would find funny,” Jones said.

She also explained that one of the most difficult aspects of losing a child is that people can eventually stop asking about them.

Jones said Polyviou continues to ask about Kaitlin, something she deeply appreciates.

Despite having previously only been in relationships with men, Jones said her feelings for Polyviou developed naturally.

She also revealed that her children and former husband had been supportive of the relationship.

“I don’t have a label on who I am. I just know that I love Anna and it’s beautiful,” she said.

Polyviou has also spoken about the happiness and sense of belonging she has found in the relationship, describing Jones as her equal and soulmate.

Greek heritage at the heart of their relationship

Their shared Greek background remains an important part of their life together.

The pair speak Greek, share traditions and enjoy Greek dancing.

Jones has said their cultural connection has helped bring them closer, while Polyviou has joked that Jones sometimes switches to Greek when she is in trouble.

The couple has also brought their professional lives together through their production company, The Hungry Girlz.

Their projects include The Open Table podcast and Travel Passport, combining food, travel and lifestyle.

Polyviou, who also appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2025, announced the relationship in an emotional Instagram post on November 8.

“From friends… to business partners… to best friends… to LOVERS!” she wrote.

She described the relationship as an unexpected surprise and said she could not be happier to share life, laughter and adventures with someone who knows her so well.

For two women whose lives were changing in very different ways, a friendship built around travel, work and their Greek heritage has developed into something neither expected.

Their story is now being shared publicly, with both describing a relationship that has brought love, companionship and a renewed sense of happiness.

Anna Polyviou – Award-Winning Pastry Chef

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