Nicole Kidman has been bonding with fellow actress Deborra–Lee Furness, as the two long–time friends quietly lean on each other through the aftermath of their very public marriage breakdowns.

When Nicole Kidman's marriage to Keith Urban started to crumble last year, she leaned heavily on her 'ride–or–die' friendships to help her through the darkest of times – and she wants to make sure Deborra, 70, has the same support network.

'Nicole's loyalty has to be with Deb as she's been a shoulder for her many times throughout the past three years,' an insider tells this week's Woman's Day magazine.

'The long–time friends have formed their own first wives club,' according to the publication. 

The pair have been close friends for forty years and have bonded over their recent heartbreak – first when Deb confirmed her split from Hugh Jackman in 2023 and two years later when Nicole and her husband Keith Urban parted ways.

It was at the Met Gala earlier this month – where Hugh and Sutton Foster debuted as a couple, reportedly leaving Deb 'shattered' – that Nicole, 58, once again made her loyalties clear by distancing herself from the pair. 

Despite playing Hugh Jackman's love interest in the 2008 Baz Luhrmann movie Australia and having a long friendship with him, Nicole has made it clear that she is loyal to Deb. 

'Nicole is firmly Team Deb,' an insider told Naughty But Nice's Rob Shuter. 

'She believes Deb was deeply hurt by how everything unfolded. Nicole isn't interested in pretending otherwise just because Hugh showed up with a new woman on his arm.'

Nicole is now said to be helping Deborra-Lee embrace life to the fullest and is supporting her every step of the way. 

The To Die For star's cutting-edge sense of style and effortless confidence has cemented her post–divorce glow-up – and she would undoubtedly make the ultimate wingwoman for Deb at exclusive events.

The Babygirl star is even hoping that some of her newly single confidence might rub off on Deb, according to the insider.

'There's no doubt Nicole took complete control of her divorce and came out of it triumphantly,' the source said.

'She can't bear to see her dear friend suffer any more than she has to. She's doing everything she can to get Deb back in charge.'

That guidance might even extend to a touch of informal matchmaking for Deb. 

Nicole has kept tongues wagging about her love life after sparking romance rumours with Simon Baker on the red carpet – is said to be exactly the kind of loyal, steady presence that Deborra needs as she edges back into the dating world.

'They're leaning on each other and with Nicole already booting up her dating life, it's hard for Deb to not feel encouraged,' the insider added.

'She's still nervous about taking that leap, but Nicole's one of the key friends in her life helping her take that step.'

Deb remains Nicole's top priority when it comes to close friendships right now, though insiders say the actress is quietly hopeful she can one day repair her once-cherished bond with Hugh Jackman, 57.

'She's not ready to start playing nice with Hugh's new girlfriend. Not yet anyway. It's still too raw and way too soon,' the insider explains.

'But she is hoping that things between Deb and Hugh will settle down over time and she doesn't have to exclude him from her world for too long.'

Still, there are clear boundaries. The insider adds Nicole would not be rushing to accept a wedding invitation from Hugh and Sutton Foster, 51, anytime soon.