Graeme Smith linked to blonde Cape beauty

29 March 2015 - 17:14 By GABI MBELE and NASHIRA DAVIDS
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Graeme Smith is believed to have a new love in his life, only three months after he jilted his wife.

Friends say the former Proteas captain has formed a close relationship with blonde beauty Justine Haddon, a Cape Town businesswoman who owns a clothing boutique.

Smith, who is in Australia, has refused to comment on the claims, but Haddon this week said she was not responsible for the break-up of Smith's marriage and denied she was involved in a romantic relationship with him.

However, friends say the romance is the topic of conversation among the couple's circle of friends.

"They have been seeing each other for a few months and Morgan [Deane] is gutted," said a friend, who did not want to be named.

"Graeme's relationship with Justine is well known within their circle of friends, but they only see each other behind walls."

Earlier this month, the Sunday Times reported that Deane only learnt about Smith's plans to divorce her when he mistakenly sent her an SMS meant for his lawyer.

Friends also claimed he had abandoned his family in favour of his friends at the Cricket World Cup.

On Wednesday, Deane posted a cryptic message on her Twitter page that raised many eyebrows.

"When you find out the 3rd person's name ... You always know them ... " wrote the Irish singer.

Her comment drew several replies, including one from Joseph Hobbs, who wrote: "@MorganDeane wow. That is so sad. How can 2 people conspire to ruin a family knowing all the hurt it will cause."

Haddon's estranged husband, Simon Haddon Schmid, owns a high-profile fitness centre in Claremont and lists Smith as one of his clients.

Haddon Schmid, who is in the process of divorcing from Haddon, said he would not comment on her relationship with Smith before first consulting his lawyers tomorrow.

Deane, who has two children with Smith, would not go on record about Haddon, either.

But Haddon's lawyer, William Booth, said she was not responsible for Smith and Deane's break-up.

"She says she knows [Smith], she's known him for quite a while, and there is no relationship between the two of them. And categorically she will deny that she caused any breakdown in the marriage relationship between the Smiths. And had anything whatsoever to do with their decision to get divorced or Graeme Smith leaving Morgan or the other way around," said Booth.

If Deane's Tweets are anything to go by, she does know Haddon.

On October 3 2013, she tweeted: "My purchases from Justine's Designer Collection in Chelsea Village, champagne shopping experience #prada #louisvuitton."

She also posted a photograph of the purchase.

Smith's agent said he was in Australia to commentate on the World Cup and would not comment on these allegations.

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