Danielle Spencer's "Challenging Year"

Breaking her silence since her split from Russell Crowe in October, Danielle Spencer tells WHO that 2012 has been “a very busy and challenging year with a lot of highs and lows."

Spencer has maintained a low-key stance since news broke on Oct. 13 that her nine-year marriage to Crowe was over, but friends of the Dancing With The Stars runner-up have said “it was her decision” to separate from the Oscar winner, whom she wed in 2003.

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"The challenge has been balancing a busy work schedule with family life and having my private life scrutinised,” Spencer, 43, tells WHO. Her highlight? "Being the runner-up on Dancing with the Stars and discovering a love for dancing." She adds: "After three-and-a-half months of eight hours a day dance training, I was amazed my body got through it!"

As the singer prepares for the holidays, which will include having friends and family over “for Christmas dinner—we sing carols and eat a lot of food,” she says, her sons Charles, 8, and Tennyson, 6, “are excited that their dad will be finished work in time to be home for Christmas. We love this time of year.”

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A family reunion is top of mind for Crowe, who is currently based in New York filming A Winter’s Tale. He tweeted on Dec. 13 that recent reports he’s dating Billy Joel’s ex-wife Katie Lee, 31, are “false & cruel,” before adding, “As soon as I finish this job & can get home, my priority is to try to bring my family back together.”

RELATED: WHO Unveils Most Intriguing People Of 2012

Danielle Spencer has been named one of WHO's Most Intriguing Australians of 2012. For the full interview, including what’s ahead for 2013, and to see who else made WHO’s Most Intriguing list, pick up today’s special double issue, on stands now.

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