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Elizabeth Hurley has suggested that her romance with Billy Ray Cyrus works so well because they are both “empty nesters”.
The British actor and model, 61, shares son Damian, 24, with her former partner, businessman Steve Bing, while country singer Cyrus, 65, is father to six children, including pop star Miley Cyrus, 33. Having reached a stage in life where their children are grown up, Hurley believes the arrangement has helped make their relationship work.
Speaking on the Off Air with Jane and Fi podcast, she said: “It works very well, I think…
“They were at school. There were still school runs, school holidays. There was an awful lot to juggle. And now, Billy and I are empty nesters. All our children are independent and Damian is the youngest of all of them.”
Hurley went on to explain she had a very different dynamic when she was dating late cricket star Shane Warne as they both had young children.
She added: “When I dated a previous boyfriend of mine, Shane – who sadly, of course, isn’t with us anymore — he had three kids and they were all sort of the same age as Damian and then a few years above, but they were kids…
“It’s very different [with Billy]. It’s more grown up and it’s easier.”
Cyrus is father to daughters Brandi, 39, Miley, 33, Noah, 26, and sons Trace, 37, and Braison, 32, with his ex-wife Tish Cyrus, 59, as well as son Christopher, 34, with Kristin Luckey.
The Bedazzled star went on to admit that although life feels “easier” now that her son is grown up, she does miss the days when Damian relied on her more.
She added: “Sometimes I miss being a hands-on mummy…
“I don’t miss the school runs. I don’t miss running around the house screaming because I can’t find a tennis racket. I don’t mind missing that.
“But you do sort of miss, I suppose, being so hands-on. It’s an adjustment to have to make.”
It comes after Hurley recently sparked rumours that the couple had become engaged when she shared an Instagram photo showing her wearing a large ring on her left hand.
However, later reports suggested the sparkler was just a prop from her latest TV project, but a source told New York Post columnist PageSix the rumours could be true.
The insider said: “She’s filming The ‘Burbs — I hardly think this ring is a prop.”
