Lisa McCune says she and New Zealand opera star Teddy Tahu Rhodes are "very dear" friends who speak most days and are not romantically involved, 13 years after photographs of the two kissing drew tabloid attention.
The former Blue Heelers actor, 54, described the relationship on The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show as a close friendship — a "situationship" in her words — and said her busy life and parenting responsibilities make a full‑time romantic relationship difficult at present. She told host Jess Rowe she was not using dating apps and had a supportive network of friends and family to travel with.
"I don't have anybody in my life in a full‑time kind of way. I have a great friendship with the man who caused so much drama in my life, Teddy, who's my dearest friend and we speak most days," McCune said. "We have lovely conversations every day. He's a very dear friend and I value that relationship very much."
McCune acknowledged she remained optimistic about finding love again, saying, "I will fall in love. I love being in love. I'm such a romantic." She added that she was "really busy" and content with her present arrangements, noting she travels with friends and her children rather than a partner.
The remarks revisit a moment of public scrutiny in 2012, when photographs of McCune and Rhodes kissing were widely published. At the time both were married to other people. The images provoked tabloid coverage and public speculation after McCune did not immediately announce a separation from then‑husband Tim Disney. McCune has previously rejected characterisations that she and Disney had an "open marriage," calling the label "hysterical".
McCune married Disney in 2000 and they have three children together: sons Archer, Oliver and daughter Remy. In interviews after the 2012 incident she said she declined to issue a statement about her private life, saying it was her personal matter. New Idea later reported on comments McCune made in 2017 reflecting on the fallout from the episode.
In 2020 McCune described an unusual co‑parenting arrangement with Disney: the couple continued to live on the same property to provide stability for their children while managing irregular work schedules. She told The Australian Women's Weekly that the setup was centred on parenting needs and both remained actively involved.
On the Big Talk Show, McCune reiterated the boundaries of her present relationship with Rhodes, who is 59, and emphasised that their daily contact is rooted in friendship. She said she values the connection but is not pursuing a conventional partnership at this stage.
The discussion adds to a long‑running public interest in McCune's private life since the early 2010s, but her comments focused on current arrangements and priorities rather than revisiting past controversies. She described herself as "in a really happy place" and content with her family arrangements while remaining open to future romance.
McCune's career has spanned television, stage and film, and she continues to work while managing family commitments. The latest interview offers an update on her personal life and reiterates her stance that the relationship with Rhodes is a valued friendship rather than a romantic partnership.