In a glamorous ceremony that has captivated fans and ignited a fierce debate online, Home and Away star Jackson Heywood, 37, has officially wed model and Miss Universe Australia finalist Anneliese Zanchetta, 25.

While the couple’s wedding photos radiate joy, elegance, and romance, not everyone has been quick to celebrate. The marriage has sparked a heated discussion online over the 12-year age difference,

with some questioning the dynamics of their relationship—even as a wave of celebrity well-wishers offers their congratulations.

The couple, who first made their relationship public in 2020, shared glimpses of their wedding day on social media this past Monday. Anneliese posted a series of breathtaking images, showcasing her classic white sleeveless gown, a long flowing veil, and an ethereal bridal look that complemented Jackson’s sleek, dark tuxedo. The pair looked every bit the picture-perfect newlyweds, holding each other close and beaming with happiness. Among those celebrating were notable Australian personalities, including Home and Away’s Sophie Dillman, who commented, “Heavenly couple, heavenly wedding.” Other celebrity friends such as Nicholas Burton and Thor actress Heidi May joined in to congratulate the couple, amplifying the celebratory mood online.

However, not all fans were as supportive. Soon after the posts went live, social media trolls began questioning the significant age gap. One user, posting to a popular Facebook page, highlighted the couple’s respective ages and expressed discomfort with the attention from celebrity friends. “I’ve worked out that she is around 25 or 26 and he is 37,” the post read. “Usually I stay way out of what’s not my business, but I can’t help finding it distasteful, and watching all these celebs congratulate them is kinda gross.” The comment sparked a flurry of replies, with opinions sharply divided between criticism and defense of the couple’s relationship.

Several commentators focused on the morality and optics of the 12-year age difference. One user admitted, “I couldn’t imagine being 37 and wanting to be with someone in their mid-20s, no matter how ‘mature’ they are.” Another echoed similar concerns, framing the relationship as unsettling simply due to the age gap. For these critics, the rapid public ascent of their romance—from relationship announcement to marriage—felt too sudden, raising questions about timing, life experience, and long-term compatibility.

Yet, a significant number of social media voices defended the couple, emphasizing personal choice and adult consent. One follower remarked, “Age gaps can always be turned around to make it ‘creepy.’ If they’re both consenting adults, I don’t see the issue.” Another wrote, “We’re definitely overreacting lol. They’re both grown-ups making their own decisions.” One pointedly reminded detractors, “He wasn’t with her when she was in primary school,” highlighting the importance of perspective when evaluating relationships between consenting adults. Others shared personal anecdotes, with one woman noting, “Lmfao. My husband is 54 and I’m 37… mind ya business,” underscoring that age differences in relationships are hardly unusual.

The couple’s romance first made headlines in July 2022, when Jackson, then 32, publicly confirmed his relationship with a 21-year-old Anneliese. Sharing a cozy black-and-white photo of the pair sitting together at a restaurant, Jackson introduced the world to his now-wife in a way that exuded affection and excitement. Fans immediately responded with a mix of curiosity, support, and scrutiny, fascinated by the unexpected pairing of a seasoned television actor and a young beauty pageant finalist.

For Jackson, this is not his first high-profile relationship. Prior to Anneliese, he was romantically linked with Zelda Williams, the late Robin Williams’ daughter. That history, combined with his public visibility as a Home and Away alum, inevitably intensified attention on his private life. When coupled with Anneliese’s rising status as a model and Miss Universe finalist, the relationship became a focal point for media and public interest—both positive and critical.

Despite the controversies swirling online, the couple’s wedding exuded elegance, sophistication, and the unmistakable glow of love. Anneliese’s classic bridal look—a sleeveless, flowing white gown paired with a long veil—captured the hearts of many fans. Jackson, ever the dashing groom, complemented her perfectly in a tailored dark tuxedo, his smile radiating joy as he held his bride close. The wedding photos, shared across multiple platforms, showcase moments of genuine intimacy and happiness: tender glances, shared laughter, and the palpable excitement of beginning a new chapter together.

The celebration was not just a union of two hearts but also a gathering of supportive peers from both the entertainment and fashion industries. Sophie Dillman’s warm message, “Heavenly couple, heavenly wedding,” perfectly encapsulated the sentiment shared by many in their social circle, affirming the couple’s compatibility and the joy of those witnessing the union. Other celebrities expressed admiration for the couple’s chemistry and the apparent authenticity of their connection, creating a counterbalance to the online backlash.

The scrutiny over age gaps in relationships is a recurring theme in the media, often amplified when one partner is a public figure. In this case, critics have fixated on the twelve-year difference between Jackson and Anneliese, despite their relationship spanning several years and being fully consensual. Supporters argue that the couple’s maturity, shared values, and mutual respect are far more significant indicators of a healthy relationship than mere numbers on a calendar. The conversation online highlights broader societal debates about love, age, and autonomy, with Jackson and Anneliese unwittingly becoming the center of a cultural discussion about norms, expectations, and personal freedom.

For now, the couple appears undeterred by online chatter. Their wedding day, captured in stunning photographs, represents not just the culmination of years together but also a bold statement of love in the face of public scrutiny. The elegance of their ceremony, the palpable joy in their expressions, and the support from friends and family alike underscore the reality that personal happiness often transcends criticism.

As Jackson Heywood and Anneliese Zanchetta begin their life together as newlyweds, their story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity relationships. While social media magnifies public opinion and invites scrutiny, the couple’s love and commitment remain at the forefront. Whether the debate over their age difference continues or fades, one fact is undeniable: Jackson and Anneliese are starting a new chapter united in marriage, with admiration, support, and love as their foundation.

In conclusion, the marriage of Jackson Heywood and Anneliese Zanchetta is a dramatic, public affair that has captured headlines, provoked online debate, and illuminated the pressures faced by celebrity couples. Amid criticisms and divided opinions, the couple’s wedding day showcased their unwavering commitment, their love for one another, and the beauty of two consenting adults charting their path together. For fans of Home and Away and observers alike, the story serves as both entertainment and a lens through which to examine broader societal attitudes about age, relationships, and personal choice.

As the newlyweds embark on this next chapter, social media will undoubtedly continue to buzz with reactions, but for Jackson and Anneliese, the focus is clear: celebrating their love, embracing their future, and savoring the joy of becoming husband and wife.