In a candid admission that has captivated public attention, Zana Pali, widely recognized from her time on 'My Kitchen Rules,' recently revealed that she believes she has never truly been in love. This introspective declaration comes after her divorce from Gianni Romano, with whom she shares two sons. Her former husband has since embarked on a new relationship, prompting Pali to share her perspective on past emotions and the evolving nature of personal understanding.
MKR Star Zana Pali Reflects on Love, Marriage, and Her Ex-Husband's New Relationship
In a surprising turn of events, Zana Pali, a familiar face from the reality cooking show 'My Kitchen Rules,' recently shared a deeply personal insight into her emotional life. On her Instagram Story, in response to a fan's direct inquiry, Pali confessed that she has never genuinely experienced love. "No. At the time, I guess you assume you are," she wrote, reflecting on her past marriage to Gianni Romano. "Hindsight is powerful though... you grow up and realise you probably didn't have a clue what love actually was. So... ask me again when I've successfully identified it."
Zana and Gianni, aged 37, tied the knot in a picturesque ceremony on Hayman Island in November 2014. Their union brought them two beloved sons, Leo, born in 2018, and Romeo, who arrived in 2020. The couple gained public prominence during their appearance on 'My Kitchen Rules' in 2016, where their culinary talents and relationship were a focal point for viewers.
Adding another layer to her public introspection, Pali posted a cryptic message on Instagram, hinting at hidden truths. "God will keep exposing what you refuse to see until you finally understand that He's not punishing you. He's protecting you. Trust the process," she penned, suggesting a deeper personal journey of realization and growth.
This candid sharing from Zana follows closely on the heels of her ex-husband, Gianni, making his new relationship public. Gianni has moved on with socialite Gracie Stewart, who is reported to be in her twenties. Their romance was confirmed earlier this month when Gianni posted a series of photos from 2025, captioning them, "2025 was a Hail Mary…" The collection included a tender selfie of the couple and a video capturing them sharing a kiss on a beach at sunset.
The pair first caught attention together at the prestigious JW Foundation Starry Night gala in Melbourne last September, an event also attended by Zana. Their significant age difference sparked whispers within their Brighton community, where both Gianni and Zana reside. However, Gianni's recent social media post unequivocally confirmed their relationship.
Zana, in a conversation with Savanna Young on The Debrief, acknowledged her ex-husband's new partnership, expressing genuine happiness for him. "Yeah, he's re-partnered... I'm really happy for him," she stated. "And she'll help him as well. You know, for the support. Because it's not easy. Going through a divorce is probably the worst time of your life. So, yeah, when I heard he moved on, I was like, 'That's great.' I was like, 'Good. Nice.'"
Pali also shed light on the dissolution of her 10-year marriage, revealing that she was the one who initiated the separation. "I did. I left... I think, for a woman, you check out many, many years earlier," she admitted frankly. "It takes us a long time, especially with children, young kids. You know, you always stay for the family. Stay for the children." Despite their separation, Zana and Gianni continue to co-parent their sons, Leonardo, who is seven, and Romeo, aged six. Their marital split, although making headlines last year, had quietly unfolded months prior, becoming a subject of local speculation in Brighton.
This narrative offers a poignant look into the complexities of relationships, highlighting the personal growth that can emerge from life-altering decisions. Zana Pali's openness about her emotional journey, set against the backdrop of her ex-husband's new chapter, resonates with many who have navigated similar paths of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her story reminds us that the definition of love, and our understanding of it, can profoundly evolve over time, leading to unexpected insights and a renewed sense of self.
