Elizabeth Hurley’s latest romantic quest stunned her followers over the Easter weekend as she revealed she is dating country star Billy Ray Cyrus. And it was a connection that her son Damian Hurley publicly endorsed on her Instagram reveal.
Now, it’s been confirmed her son had a huge part in actually bringing the couple together. The duo had previously co-starred on Christmas In Paradise, which was released in 2022, but fans never expected the duo to hit it off romantically off set, despite rumours of a “spark” on set. At the time, Billy Ray was married – and has since divorced, married and divorced again.
Sunday’s announcement picture by Liz was reportedly taken on the actress’ huge sheep and alpaca farm in Herefordshire – and Damian was said to have been the photographer.
And an insider has revealed that Damian’s rise to success and moving out of the home he shared with his mum was a key player in the new bond between Liz and the Achy Breaky Heart singer.
Speaking to the Mail, an insider said: “The new relationship is filling a void because Damian has moved out. He’s got his own place in Earl’s Court [west London] so although they still see each other a lot and are really close, it’s not just the two of them at home any more.”
And they claimed that Liz is loving the attention from her new man, who they say has been “love-bombing her with attention”.
They added: “It only really took off about six weeks ago, although he was texting her a lot before then – I guess for a few months before. He has been writing her the most beautiful texts three or four times a day. She says they are almost like poetry. Saying how beautiful and young and sexy she is.”
The insider insisted the pairing isn’t just for the cameras, either. The Austin Powers star has a long history of dating troubled men including Shane Warne and Hugh Grant.
Now, it’s claimed Liz reportedly thinks she can “save” Billy Ray following his years of personal woes. He has been wrapped up in a family feud involving his daughter Miley Cyrus, and also faced allegations of domestic abuse by his third wife Firerose – accusations he strenuously denies.
He was also mocked for performing at Donald Trump’s second inauguration. A source recently told the Sun of the new couple: “There has always been a spark, but he reached out again last year when his short-lived third marriage ended.
“He has had a really hard time, but she has been there helping him turn things around. Liz has been really great for him, but her friends are cautious because of what’s been said in the past about him.” And they added Liz believes Billy “has turned a corner and is a changed man”.
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