Who is Damian Hurley? The model who comforted Liam Payne’s girlfriend at his funeral

Following the tragic death of One Direction’s Liam Payne in October, stars like Harry Styles, James Cordon, and Cheryl attended his funeral at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, earlier this week.

Liam’s nearest and dearest were pictured leaving the church following the service, with a wake being held at an undisclosed location soon after. Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy attended the ceremony with close friend Damian Hurley after he earlier supported her on social media with a tribute to her late boyfriend.

Who are Damian Hurley’s parents?

Damian Hurley was afforded a luxurious childhood courtesy of his massively famous mother, model Elizabeth Hurley and biological father, American business giant Steve Bing.

Although Bing initially denied paternity, a DNA test subsequently confirmed him as the father and he offered to pay annual instalments of £100,000, which Elizabeth declined. Damian and his father were reportedly estranged before Steve’s death from suicide in 2020.

Elizabeth Hurley is a model and actress hailing from the UK, with impressive acting credits like Marvel’s Runaways, Gossip Girl, Wonder Woman, Austin Powers, and The Royals. In her role as a model, Elizabeth is most often associated with the Estée Lauder brand.

Fun fact: Damian’s godparents are Hugh Grant, David Beckham, Elton John and Denis Leary.

What does he do for work?

Damian Hurley has followed in his mother’s footsteps as a model, signing with Tess Management in 2018 and booking Pat McGrath’s ‘Sublime Perfection’ campaign in 2019.

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“When I was 17, I got a call saying that Steven Meisel wanted me in New York the next day to front a new campaign. I’d never modelled before, but in a moment of madness, I agreed, flew out, did the shoot and made it back to school in time for my first class on Monday,” he told Vogue that year.

Just a year later, Damian upgraded again as he signed with IMG, the powerhouse agency that represents names like Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Gigi and Bella Hadid.

Though he has continued his modelling work with clients like photographers Mert and Marcus, Damian has also dipped his toe in the world of show business on projects like The Royals and his directorial debut in Strictly Confidential.

Does Damian have Instagram?

You can’t be the son of THE Elizabeth Hurley and not be sharing pictures on social media, so it’s no surprise that Damian has 195k followers on Instagram. For comparison, his mother has 3 million.

Damian’s Instagram feed is as you might expect, a collection of gorgeous modelling photos, androgynous fashion moments, and lavish parties where he brushes shoulders with celebs like Heidi Klum.

The model comforted close friend Kate Cassidy at Liam’s funeral

Damian Hurley has been incredibly supportive of his friend Kate, having had a friendship with Liam himself before his death. Following the news, he penned a heartfelt statement on Instagram alongside a picture of him and Liam hugging.

“One of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. a devastating loss,” he wrote. “Thinking of and sending love to Liam’s family, especially my beautiful friend @kateecass.”

Damian joined Kate at Liam’s funeral where they were pictured holding hands in long black coats and dark sunglasses, with a source telling the Mail Online that “They have an incredible bond and Kate wanted somebody by her side on the day.”

Following the service, Damian again took to Instagram with the message: “Yesterday was breathtakingly sad. Sending all the love and strength in the world to Liam’s family, especially my @kateecass, of whom I’m immeasurably proud.”

If you feel affected by this story, please speak to someone or contact the Samaritans at any time on 116 123. You can also contact Anxiety UK on 03444 775 774, Mind on 0300 123 3393, and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) on 0800 58 58 58.

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Featured Image credit: Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP/Shutterstock