Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby shares her heartache at being separated from boyfriend Ben Panangian for two years
Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby has shared her heartache at being separated from her boyfriend, Ben Panangian.
The 43-year-old took to Instagram to share a photograph of the pair before telling fans that she was upset.
‘Been two years since (I’ve) seen my Ben,’ the SAS Australia star said.
Missing him: Schapelle Corby, 44, (pictured) revealed her heartache after being separated from boyfriend Ben for two years amid backlash of her appearing on Dancing With The Stars
The couple have maintained a long-distance relationship after first meeting at Kerobokan Prison in 2006.
Ben is a stand-up paddleboard instructor. He reportedly served three years in prison for possession of marijuana.
Last month, Schapelle confirmed the couple were still together by sharing a photo of them holding hands on the beach and writing: ‘Long distance love.’
Long distance: ‘Been two years since (I’ve) seen my Ben,’ the SAS Australia star said. The couple have maintained a long-distance relationship after first meeting in 2006
The couple last saw each other in February, 2019. The couple have spoken of having children together in the past.
It comes after fans of the show blasted Channel Seven’s decision to cast Schapelle on Dancing With The Stars, given that she has a serious drug conviction in Indonesia and served nine years behind bars in Bali.
One viewer said it was ‘a disgrace’, and others vowed to boycott the new season.
Plans: The couple last saw each other in February, 2019. The couple have spoken of having children together in the past
Schapelle’s addition has also reportedly disappointed the show’s inaugural winner Bec Hewitt, who is returning this year as an all-stars contestant.
A source told New Idea: ‘Bec loves the fact that the show is family friendly and thinks casting someone as controversial as Schapelle goes against everything it stands for.’
Dancing with the Stars is Schapelle’s second reality TV show, as last year she made a brief appearance on Seven’s SAS Australia.
TV debut: Dancing with the Stars is Schapelle’s second reality TV show, as last year she made a brief appearance on Seven’s SAS Australia
She voluntarily withdrew from the military-style program in episode two when the selection course proved too demanding for her.
In October 2004, Schapelle became a household name when she was arrested at Bali airport with 4.2kg of cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag
The world watched in May 2005 as she broke down in the Denpasar courtroom after being sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Not happy: Schapelle’s addition has also reportedly disappointed the show’s inaugural winner Bec Hewitt, who is returning this year as an all-stars contestant
Following a series of sentence reductions, Schapelle was released on parole in February 2014, having served nine years behind bars.
She lived in Bali with family until she was deported back to Australia in May 2017.
The former beautician has always denied knowingly importing drugs and maintains the marijuana was planted in her luggage by corrupt baggage handlers.
Conviction: In May 2005, she was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for trying to smuggle drugs from Australia to Bali. She was released on parole after nine years behind bars