We’re so in love say the Big Blond and Luna
(also known as Shane Warne and Liz Hurley)
IN matching white outfits and almost identical sparkling smiles, they are clearly still bowled over with each other.
Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne have given their first joint interview in which they publicly discuss their relationship and hit back at those who suggest they are an unlikely couple.
The 46-year- old actress and model has been engaged to the 42-year-old Australian cricket legend since October and they plan to marry next year, with celebrations in England and Down Under.
In the interview, with Hello! magazine, the couple reveal that they have pet names for each other.
She calls him the Big Blond while his nickname for her is Luna.
Warne says: ‘Elizabeth calls me a lot more than just the Big Blond – she has dozens of names for me, all of them too embarrassing to share.
‘I have a handful for her, too, but I usually call her Luna as there was a terrible paparazzi picture of her once looming in to kiss me, which reminded me of the massive mouth at the entrance of Luna Park, the Australian theme park.’
The couple live together at Miss Hurley’s Gloucestershire home. She says she already regards herself as ‘stepmum’ to Warne’s three children Brooke, 14, Jackson, 12, and Summer, ten.
According to Miss Hurley, the families are so close that they call her M2 or ‘Mummy Two’.
Despite having been brought up on opposite sides of the world, she insists that she and record-breaking former spin bowler Warne were made for each other.
‘I am extremely happy when I’m with Shane. We are very similar in many ways. Despite differences in our backgrounds and careers, we both come from very secure, loving homes and to me that says a lot.’
Warne adds: ‘I think we just “get” each other and it feels like we have known one another for ever. We are from different worlds, but funnily enough they are very much the same, too.’ Miss Hurley was married to businessman Arun Nayar for four years before meeting the cricketer. She has one son, ten-year-old Damian, from a brief relationship with American tycoon Steve Bing.
She admits she found it a ‘ big change going overnight from one child to four’ but says she is relishing her role as a stepmother.
‘I love it when we’re all together. I just try to be the best stepmum that I can.’
Warne is at pains to distance himself from his reputation as a lothario and lager lout.
He has previously confessed to binge- drinking sessions and his marriage to ex-wife Simone disintegrated after allegations of numerous affairs.
But Warne now insists that the public has had ‘misconceptions’ about him.
‘I don’t sit in front of the TV and drink 20 cans of beer every night.’
Warne also seeks to dispel rumours of plastic surgery after pictures emerged of his face appearing stretched and slightly unnatural.
He declares: ‘I can 100 per cent tell you that I have not gone under the surgeon’s knife or had a facelift.’
The full interview is in Hello! magazine out now.