Elizabeth Hurley opens up about 'traumatic' first trip back to Melbourne since ex-fiancé Shane Warne's shock death
The actress and model, 60, travelled to Melbourne last November for the first time since Shane's sudden death - reuniting with his parents, brother and children during a 'bittersweet' few days.
Elizabeth combined the visit with a day at the races to soften the impact of what became a 'very traumatic' trip.
Speaking on Tuesday's episode of Travel Secrets podcast, Elizabeth explained: 'Last November we went to the Melbourne Cup and it was the first time I'd been back to Melbourne since Shane died.
'We knew it was going to be a very traumatic trip, so we linked it into going racing and also an opportunity to get some closure in other ways.'
Elizabeth and cricket legend Shane, widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers in history, began dating in 2010 and were engaged the following year.
They split in 2013 but remained close until his untimely death from a suspected heart attack in March 2022 while he was on holiday in Thailand.
Shane was 52 years old when he died, and left behind three children - Brooke, 28, Jackson, 25, and Summer, 23 - from his marriage to his ex-wife, yoga teacher Simone Callahan.
'All his family are there [in Melbourne],' Elizabeth added. 'So I could see his mum and dad and brother - and it was the first time I've seen them since. I've seen the kids before because they've come to England.
'That [trip] was really full of disturbing… It wasn't good but I'm really glad I've done it.'
She continued: 'Going back was very bittersweet. I got very upset, but then I was very glad that I went.
'And I know when I next get back to Australia, it'll be fine.'
Elizabeth had been unable to attend Shane's state funeral at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2022 due to work and travel commitments.
The brunette beauty, who is now dating American country singing legend Billy Ray Cyrus, was pictured at Flemington Racecourse last year with her son Damian, now 23, warmly embracing Shane's family, including Shane's parents Bridgette and Keith and his brother Jason.
Damian's biological father, American businessman Steve Bing, died by suicide in 2020. Last year, Elizabeth said the grief of both Shane and Steve's deaths made them closer than ever.
'We have suffered loss,' she told The Telegraph. 'It was appalling losing Shane; it was a terrible thing. And it's a sadness, you know, that stays with you a long time.
'I know as we get older we're going to experience more and more loss, but Damian as a young man has experienced probably more than most and I think it does affect you. I think it affects his writing and it does affect him as an artist.'
Shane said of his romance with Elizabeth in 2018: 'Who knows what the future holds. There's a difference between in love with someone and loving someone.
'I'll always love Elizabeth but I don't think we'll ever get back together. When we were together we both had a great time. Unfortunately it didn't work out.
'It wasn't something that she or I did wrong, it just fizzled out. We're still great friends, we still stay in touch, we're good for each other and our kids get along great.'
He also told the Mirror: 'I was more in love with Elizabeth than I'd realised I could be. I miss the love we had. My years with Elizabeth were the happiest of my life.'
Elizabeth has maintained a strong relationship with her former fiancé's children, Brooke, Jackson, and Summer.
While Damian also maintains a tight bond with Shane's kids, sharing photos of their childhood holidays together and commenting on their posts.
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