Inside Helen Mirren's scandalous romance with Liam Neeson
Mirren, 80, and Neeson, 73, confirmed their 1980s romance in 2018 after appearing on the Graham Norton show together. While appearing on the program, they spoke about their romance after Norton confronted them about it.
While their interaction was seen as them being "determined to show mutual respect" despite the "awkward" encounter, it also led to some new details about the former couple's relationship being revealed.
It was during that appearance that Neeson remembered his reaction to seeing Mirren for the first time on the set of Excalibur.
"I remember being on the set and standing with Ciaran Hinds as Helen walked toward us dressed in her full Morgana Le Fey costume, and we both went, 'Oh f**k' and I was smitten," he recalled at the time.
"I think Ciaran was, too, but I was very smitten!"
Neeson also revealed that Mirren was the one to try to pick him up and express interest first because he had previously heard about the tactic she used to get attention when she liked someone. Helen Mirron and Liam Neeson on the Graham Norton Show
"Before I met her and we worked together, I had read somewhere that if she fancied a guy, she would imitate his walk behind his back," he revealed.
"And I turned around one day and she was doing that to me."
Mirren chimed in after his recollections to admit that she "never knew" his initial reaction to seeing her, because he'd never told her that before.
The two went on to date from 1980 to 1985, and even lived together for four years before eventually calling it quits.
Mirren met Taylor Hackford shortly after the relationship with Neeson came to an end. They married in 1997.
They had no children of their own, but she did become a stepmother to his two children from previous marriages.
Neeson, meanwhile, was linked to Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand, and Brooke Shields before marrying Natasha Richardson in 1994.
They shared two sons, Michael and Daniel. Richardson died in March 2009 after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident while at a resort in Montreal.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Foul-mouthed Irish parrot has incredible two-word response for anyone vaping
A foul-mouthed Irish parrot who hates e-cigarettes tells guests who are vaping to 'p*ss off'. Lucky Angel shouts 'no vaping' and swears at anyone he sees performing the habit. Owner Marie Mcaleavey first noticed the African Grey's hatred for e-cigarettes when she had an unsuspecting friend over. The bird's feathers stood on end and he flew around the room frantically when the guest pulled a vape out of her pocket. Marie, 51, was shocked when the eight-year-old bird yelled 'no vape' and told the visitor to 'p*ss off'. 'He hates vaping,' Marie, from Warrenpoint, Co Down, said. 'If a vape comes into the room I almost have to wash his mouth out. Parrots are very intelligent and very sensitive to smell. He hates anyone smoking vapes around him. 'A friend came over and I went into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. She'd gone to have some of her vape and he went ballistic, flying around the house and up the walls. 'He told her to p*ss off and said 'no vape, no vape'. His feathers were stood up like he was going to go mad at her. She thought he was an innocent little bird. It's unbelievable. He must have picked up the smell. He's very smart.' Retired interior designer Marie describes herself an 'anti-vaper'. She said: 'I've never even smoked in my house. 'Lucky Angel's reaction goes to show how dangerous vaping is. Whatever is coming out of the vape must be really bad. I took a photo of a lung damaged by vaping and he wasn't impressed at all. He nearly tore it down and yelled 'no vape'.' Marie bought Lucky Angel in 2016 'on a whim' after spotting an advert for him online. She added: 'I wanted an animal that lives longer than a cat or dog and thought it would be fun to hear him talking. He's so clever and picks up on everything, especially four letter words which are naughty. He's so witty. 'It's fascinating how intelligent they are and you have to keep them stimulated. He likes walnuts, 80 percent dark chocolate and watching NCIS. Lucky Angel has a whole room to himself and I spray him in coconut oil to make his feathers glisten.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Next shoppers rave over 'flattering' linen dress that's 'surprisingly' good
Next has been absolutely wowing us with its summer collections this season. From bold graphic designs to delicate ditsy motifs, the retailer has nailed every trend perfectly. It's worth noting that numerous pieces tend to fly off the shelves rapidly. For anyone with holidays still planned ahead, or those seeking something suitable for the warmer climate we're enjoying, we've discovered the perfect purchase. The Linen Midi Dress is presently receiving rave feedback, boasting a flawless score from delighted style enthusiasts who have "fell in love with it." Whether jetting off overseas or remaining local, this 100 percent linen frock is guaranteed to be a refreshing option for those sultry summer afternoons when we require something both cooling and chic. Dropping to a fashionable midi-length hem, it also boasts an elasticated shirred waist for a snug fit, with one buyer noting it's ideal for those who "want to disguise tummies.", reports the Daily Record. The frock boasts a perfect five star rating (Image: Next) Complete with gathered shoulder straps, frilled edging and ribbon accents, it's a graceful and dreamy dress that will appear stunning when matched with sandals throughout the summer months. At the time of publication, Next's linen dress is available in sizes six to 26, including some tall options, in two shades - white and lilac - though the purple tone is selling more quickly. Next's Pure Linen Midi Dress has garnered nothing but glowing five-star ratings from style enthusiasts who hold it in such high regard that they are "surprised it's not gone off the shelves." One delighted review stated: "It's a gorgeous dress and very flattering on especially if you want to disguise a tummy. Slightly transparent on top but nipple covers do the trick. I'm surprised it's not gone off the shelves. "I have the white and I am pleased that the style will last many years in my wardrobe. The linen surprisingly and pleasantly doesn't get too wrinkly." The midi-length dress is also available in white Another satisfied buyer commented: "Bought for my daughter as we had seen it in shop, she fell in love with it, so bought her it, lovely dress everyone comments on it, looks lovely on, and very well made." Whilst someone else simply remarked: "Very pretty, good for a wedding guest or summer outing." Although there are currently no unfavourable reviews, which demonstrates the garment's appeal, it's important to note that, as one assessment above indicates, it is somewhat sheer. For certain customers, this might present a concern, so it's worth bearing in mind before making a purchase. Don't let Next's Linen Midi Dress slip by - it's available for €97.50. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Anna Geary teases 'big changes' to RTE's Ireland's Fittest Family
TV star Anna Geary has teased major changes to RTE's Ireland's Fittest Family. The former Cork camogie captain returns as a coach on the show. And Anna said the new series, which will air in autumn, has undergone a huge revamp to its format. She said: "Oh, wait until people find out what's happening in Ireland's Fittest Family! No, I'm not going to be the person to let the cat out of the bag because I'll absolutely be taken down by the production team. "But what I will say is never before has what is about to happen, happened on the show. Let me tell you, as a coach, I was more shocked than anybody. "There are big changes, big twists, you're going to see a changed format, new locations. Oh my God! It's going to completely shake things up," she told the RTE Guide. Anna Geary appearing on The Late Late Show (Image: RTE) Anna is expecting her second child with husband Kevin Sexton. The couple are already parents to Ronan, who they welcomed in 2023. The radio host opened up about announcing her pregnancy to her fans on social media. "I think I'm very lucky that the community of people that I seem to connect with online are, by and large, extremely supportive, and they're very encouraging; inspiring at times," she revealed. "I actually said to my husband last week, when we announced our baby news, that the kindness of strangers blows me away all the time. "We always hear about social media that there's a veneer and there's a gloss and it's all curated. That is so true because while I try and show the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and I try and be as genuine as I can, I'm still not going to be coming on Instagram and talking about a row I've just had with my husband or that my son has been particularly unruly. "And I'm not going to say for a second that I don't use the Paris filter on occasions when I've had little sleep. It just makes you look that little bit fresher." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
