eyebrows. And that’s exactly what’s happening with Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus, whose unexpected romance has fans and insiders doing double-takes.
The unlikely duo—she, a quintessential English glamour icon; he, a rugged American country singer with a beard as dark as his relationship history—have gone public with their budding relationship, and the reactions are as dramatic as you’d expect.
So how did these two cross paths, and what’s really going on behind those sweet Instagram kisses? Let’s unpack it.
From Caribbean Movie Set to Real-Life Romance
Back in 2021, Liz and Billy Ray starred together in the critically-panned film Christmas in Paradise, which was shot in the Caribbean and released the following year.
At the time, Billy Ray was navigating the end of his decades-long marriage to Tish Cyrus.
Fast forward a few years and two divorces later, the chemistry that sparked during filming has apparently caught fire.
This Easter Sunday, Billy Ray posted a photo of himself kissing Liz on the cheek, officially confirming the rumors—and setting social media alight.
While many are questioning what Liz sees in the Achy Breaky Heart singer, the answer might just lie in the charming contrast he brings to her world.
What Attracted Liz to the Country Star?
According to sources close to her, Billy Ray’s rugged masculinity is exactly what Liz needed.
He’s a man’s man—the kind that makes her feel like a woman in the most romantic, country-song sort of way.
It’s giving Lady Chatterley’s Lover energy, and Liz has apparently been making that comparison herself.
Like her past relationship with cricket legend Shane Warne, Liz is once again attracted to a man she can, well, refine.
Warne traded brassy highlights for lip balm under Liz’s care, and she may be hoping Billy Ray’s cowboy charm can be polished just enough to fit into her world.
A Relationship That’s All About Timing
Friends of Liz say the relationship couldn’t have come at a better time.
Her 23-year-old son Damian recently moved out, leaving a quiet house in Herefordshire that once buzzed with their close-knit mother-son dynamic.
With Damian starting his adult life in London, there’s now space—emotionally and literally—for someone new in Liz’s life.
And Billy Ray? He’s been love-bombing her with poetic texts and constant praise.
He reportedly tells her several times a day how stunning and sexy she is—something she absolutely adores.
Publicity, Yes—but the Feelings Are Real
Let’s be honest: Liz has never been one to shy away from the spotlight.
While friends insist the romance is genuine, they also admit she’s enjoying the headlines.
Her recent film, Strictly Confidential, directed by her son, didn’t receive the praise she hoped for.
Liz had imagined it would help reposition her as a serious actress, much like Demi Moore’s career revival. Unfortunately, it didn’t land.
So yes, the relationship has thrust her back into the headlines—but that doesn’t mean it’s just a PR move.
The Grant Comparison and Social Circles React
Speaking of past loves, Hugh Grant—her long-time former partner—is still in her life as a friend, even as his own career continues to soar.
He earned a Bafta nod for his role in Heretic, and stole the show in Paddington 2.
Naturally, some are wondering how Liz feels watching her ex thrive on screen while she navigates tabloid-worthy romances.
And not everyone in her posh circle is thrilled. One source said her sophisticated friends were “stunned” when they saw her paired with someone who once performed at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Damian Approves, But Billy Ray’s Family Stays Silent
Luckily, Liz’s most important critic—her son Damian—is all for it.
He even snapped the couple’s Easter photo and posted emojis to show his support.
He grew up watching Billy Ray as Miley Stewart’s dad in Hannah Montana, so there’s a nostalgic connection too.
But over on Billy Ray’s side, the silence is deafening.
None of his six children have reacted publicly to the Instagram post. And that’s telling.
Tish Cyrus and Lingering Suspicions
Billy Ray’s ex-wife Tish had her suspicions about him and Liz back when Christmas in Paradise was filming.
Though they were already separated at the time, she reportedly felt the connection between them was more than professional.
Seeing them together now seems to confirm her gut feeling.
Tish and Billy Ray’s marriage spanned nearly 30 years and included multiple reconciliations before their final split in 2022.
A History of Heartbreak on Both Sides
Neither Liz nor Billy Ray are strangers to emotional turbulence.
Liz was dumped by Damian’s father, Steve Bing, while pregnant, and later lost him to suicide.
Her marriage to Indian businessman Arun Nayar ended in under four years.
And Shane Warne, with whom she was briefly engaged, died unexpectedly in 2022.
Billy Ray, meanwhile, went through a whirlwind second marriage with singer Firerose that ended in an ugly split.
He’s also become estranged from several of his children, some of whom have called out his behavior publicly.
His son Trace even begged him on Instagram to seek help, painting a picture of a troubled, distant father.
Will This Be Their Happy Ending?
Despite the baggage and the drama, this new relationship feels like a fresh start for both.
Liz and Billy Ray may be finding comfort in one another’s company at a moment when they each need it most.
For now, they’re soaking up the romance and the attention—both welcome in different ways.
The question is whether this unexpected pairing is a temporary distraction or a love story that, against all odds, might just go the distance.
After everything they’ve been through, who wouldn’t want to root for them?