Barnaby Joyce's wife 'visited priest to help save marriage'

The estranged wife of Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce reportedly sought the help of a prominent Catholic priest to help revive their marriage.

Natalie Joyce visited Father Brennan in September to help “counsel” Mr Joyce to focus on his family, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Months later, Ms Joyce learned that her husband of 24 years was expecting a baby from an affair with his former staffer Vikki Campion.

Fr Brennan has not issued a statement in response to the newspaper’s claims.

Mr Joyce confirmed the news of his baby on Wednesday, and Ms Joyce said in a statement that she was “deeply saddened”.

“This situation is devastating on many fronts. For my girls who are affected by the family breakdown and for me as a wife of 24 years, who placed my own career on hold to support Barnaby through his political life,” she said.

READ MORE: Wife of Barnaby Joyce 'devastated' by news of baby with ex-staffer

“Our family life has had to be shared during Barnaby’s political career and it was with trust that we let campaign and office staff into our homes and into our lives.

"Naturally we also feel deceived and hurt by the actions of Barnaby and the staff member involved.”