
Hollywood pair had 'great chemistry' in 'emotional' film which led to decade-long relationship
Nicholas Sparks ' heart-tugging novels have been the blueprint for some of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 2000s, not least the cinematic rendition of The Notebook, sparking off-screen romances along the way.
This was certainly true for a certain high-profile pair who crossed paths as youngsters portraying a blossoming romance on screen, simultaneously kindling their own. Chart-topping sensation Miley Cyrus and silver screen heartthrob Liam Hemsworth first locked eyes on the set of the poignant drama The Last Song.
Debuting in 2010, the film charts the turbulent journey of a defiant young woman named Ronnie, who relocates to live with her estranged father, portrayed by Greg Kinnear, following her parents' split. The move takes her and her brother from the hustle of city life to the serene coastal town where her dad resides.
Throughout the story, Ronnie mends fences with her family and rediscovers herself, all while falling head over heels for a local lad. Her innate piano skills come to the fore, encouraged by her father's past as a Juilliard-trained musician, as she strives to mend their fractured bond, despite time running short.
A Rotten Tomatoes critique applauded the movie, saying: "An emotional and romantic coming-of-age story, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth make a couple with great chemistry, and the credits song When I Look At You is one to cry to. A great adaptation."
The on-screen romance that captivated audiences wasn't quite the fairytale behind the scenes, reports the Express, with the couple experiencing several break-ups over their decade-long relationship. In 2012, fans were thrilled to hear about the engagement of the young stars, but by 2013, wedding bells had been silenced, and it looked like it was all over.
The film's allure was undoubtedly boosted by the palpable chemistry between the leads, surprising many viewers with Cyrus's commendable acting chops. One review admitted: "I'm not a big fan of Miley Cyrus, but I have to say she did an outstanding job in this."
Tear-jerking warnings accompany mentions of the film, as one viewer shared: "The Last Song tugged at my heartstrings and drained my eyes of tears. I just don't get why a lot of people don't like this movie when it's got such a beautiful and heart-wrenching story." Emotions ran high for another fan who confessed: "I cried when I read the book two years ago, and so did I when I watched the movie two minutes ago. Hands down, this movie is amazing."
Against all odds, Cyrus and Hemsworth secretly wed in 2018 after rekindling their romance, yet the reunion was short-lived; they divorced in 2019. Both have since found new love away from the spotlight.
Nostalgic fans often look back fondly at the early days of what became a real-life romance, while some viewers remained oblivious to the off-screen drama unfolding before them.
A cinema enthusiast commented: "I'm not a fan of Miley Cyrus, but in the film I was enchanted by her character. The Last Song is a very romantic and emotive film, which I like to watch. The plot of the film has a great reflection of real life."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
The Naked Gun release date as Liam Neeson gushes over Pamela Anderson
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson are set to appear in the new Naked Gun movie, with the pair sharing some steamy scenes together The Naked Gun, one of the top blockbuster movies of this year, is already generating buzz amongst fans as it features Liam Neeson taking on the role of Frank Drebin Jr alongside Pamela Anderson as Beth, with the pair sharing some sizzling moments on screen. The picture acts as a follow-up to Naked Gun 33: The Final Insult, which hit cinemas in 1994. Originally, Ed Helms was set to take the leading part, but by 2021 there was enthusiasm for casting Neeson, who was eager to tackle a comedy role. Following production on the forthcoming picture, the Baywatch icon and Taken star have displayed considerable off-camera rapport, with Neeson and Anderson getting cosy at the premiere, reports the Express. Speaking to You Magazine recently, Neeson admitted one of his most enjoyable filming experiences was "the sex scenes" with Anderson, during which they worked with an intimacy coordinator. The Naked Gun hits theatres on August 1, with Neeson describing his co-star's audition footage as "incredibly sexy" and "funny". Anderson remarked that their connection was "important", with both stars agreeing it developed naturally. They laughed about how the intimacy coordinator needed to "go for coffee" as the sequences were "too hot". Both stars are single and the romantic speculation remains unverified. Neeson previously revealed whilst promoting the picture that he was "madly in love" with Anderson. He revealed to People: "With Pamela, first off, I'm madly in love with her. She's just terrific to work with. "I can't compliment her enough, I'll be honest with you. No huge ego. She just comes in to do the work. She's funny and so easy to work with. She's going to be terrific in the film." Anderson was full of praise for her co-star, stating: "He brings out the best in you... with respect, kindness and depth of experience. It was an absolute honour to work with him." Following the UK premiere of the film, fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, where Anderson was seen planting a kiss on Neeson's cheek. Neither of the stars have confirmed if they are dating in real life. The Naked Gun will hit cinemas on August 1.

Scotsman
39 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Miley Cyrus' favourite L.A. solo show RUGBURN set to ignite Edinburgh Fringe as a one-to-watch production
After a sold-out Hollywood Fringe run and two high-profile visits by superstar Miley Cyrus, Mat Sanders's acclaimed solo show RUGBURN is headed for a highly anticipated 24-performance run at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Described by audiences as an 'unhinged performance of a lifetime,' 'wildly entertaining,' and a 'thrilling emotional rollercoaster with guts, heart, and humor,' RUGBURN blends dark comedy, physical storytelling, and raw vulnerability. Written and performed by Mat Sanders—an acclaimed LA-based interior designer whose clients include Miley Cyrus herself—this fast-paced, genre-bending production draws comparisons to the legendary solo work of greats like John Leguizamo and Bill Erwin for its dynamic shifts in character, pace, and physical narrative. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Developed at Los Angeles's esteemed Elysian Theatre—considered a hub for groundbreaking, innovative comedy and theatrical storytelling—RUGBURN embodies everything the LA underground theatre scene stands for. Elysian Artistic Director Jacquelyn Landgraf shares: Miley, Mat and director of Elysium Theatre Jacquelyn Landgraf 'The Elysian has quickly become L.A.'s foremost incubator for new work that is boundary-pushing, transgressive, and immersive. Rugburn had its beginnings in an Elysian class, and we were excited to champion Mat Sanders' as his ideas first began to crackle and this new show came to life. It's juicy, candid, unhinged, musical, barely-clad–he whips the highly personal and vulnerable into wild spectacle, and plunges audiences into an extended, gloriously theatrical and hilarious manic panic.' At its heart, RUGBURN explores queer millennial identity caught between two extremes—celebrity glamour and underground escapism. The show incorporates sex clubs, design TV references, Shakespearean interludes, vaudevillian musicality, and surreal imagery featuring Sanders wearing his signature panda kink mask and leather harness. Reviewers have called it 'raunchy, raw, touching and absolutely glorious', 'surprising, magnetic and brutally honest', and have noted Sanders's powerful presence, remarking that 'Mat carries the room with a single gesture or glance' in this 'one man, one hour tour de force confessional.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Miley Cyrus's repeat attendance further underscores the show's singular cultural cachet. RUGBURN is poised to stake its claim in a renaissance of American queer solo performance—surfing the wave of original stories like Cole Escola's Broadway sensation Oh Mary! and Jordan Tannahill's rising Off-Broadway hit Prince Faggot. Miley Cyrus backstage at RUGBURN With all eyes on Edinburgh Fringe as the launchpad for the next breakout solo triumph—à la Fleabag and Baby Reindeer—Sanders's storytelling, raw, riveting, and darkly funny, places RUGBURN squarely in the spotlight. 'Theatre was my sanctuary growing up,' Sanders shares. 'Leaving it to design celebrity homes led me down an unexpected path and now the stage has pulled me back—not just as a performer, but as someone with a story that could only be told here. Returning to the church of theatre to exorcise the madness I've lived through feels, somehow, perfectly divine.' Audiences and critics alike have praised RUGBURN as: 'Completely electric,' 'Brave and disarming,' and 'A dynamic hour of pure energy, emotion, and masterful performance.' 'An exponential showcase of vulnerability, hilarity, and true talent.' 'Perfectly executed, one of a kind, impeccable,' and 'Edgy, sexy, and left me wanting more.' Directed by Telly Kousakis (Glee, Scream Queens), RUGBURN's on-stage breakdown gets a sharp eye and comedic backbone. Choreography is by Nick Lanzisera (Sia, Taylor Swift, High School Musical), who turns emotional collapse into physical comedy. Together, the team transforms Sanders's deeply personal material into a full-throttle spectacle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This dynamic, unforgettable theatrical experience promises to be 'one of the most memorable shows of the Fringe season,' capturing hearts and sparking buzz as Sanders prepares to make his international Fringe debut. Show Details: RUGBURN Edinburgh Festival Fringe | C ARTS | C alto July 30 – August 24, 2025 | Nightly at 9:30 PM


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC Death in Paradise's 'favourite' detective set to join spin-off as star drops clue
Death in Paradise favourite Kris Marshall has teased a stint in the show's Australian spin-off Kris Marshall, famed for his role in Death in Paradise, has expressed his willingness to make a cameo in the show's Aussie spin-off, Return to Paradise. Kris stepped into Ben Miller's shoes as the lead sleuth when Ben's character, Richard Poole, met his untimely demise. He portrayed Detective Humphrey Goodman until he left the series at the end of season six, choosing to chase his romance with Martha Lloyd (portrayed by Sally Bretton) back to London. Their romantic tale didn't end there; it carried on in the Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise, where they relocated to Devon to be closer to Martha's mother. Despite being content with his current role in Beyond Paradise, Kris hasn't ruled out a potential appearance in Return to Paradise, which features its first female protagonist and has been greenlit for a second run. Anna Samson plays the lead as Mackenzie Clarke, the spin-off's inaugural female detective, reports the Express. Chatting with Woman's Day Magazine about the possibility of joining the Australian venture, Kris remarked, "In the future, I'm definitely not ruling it out, no." He teased: "Never say never." Should Kris join the cast, he wouldn't be the first Death in Paradise detective to cross over, as Ardal O'Hanlon graced the first series of the spin-off. Ardal returned as Detective Jack Mooney, taking on the role of Mackenzie's superior from London, and is rumoured to be making a comeback for the second series of the Aussie drama. The worlds of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise have intertwined previously. In the first series of Beyond Paradise, fans were treated to Humphrey Goodman's return to the Caribbean alongside Martha. Viewers were ecstatic to witness the inaugural meeting between Humphrey and Detective Neville Parker. While showrunners haven't confirmed another crossover, with production for Return to Paradise in full swing, the prospect of Humphrey Goodman making an appearance is tantalising. Kris Marshall's recent jaunt to Australia has sparked speculation among fans that he might pop up in Return to Paradise. A fan speculated on a Facebook fan page: "I wonder what Humph's doing here in Australia? Perhaps a Return to Paradise cameo." Another enthusiast responded: "That would be spectacularly awesome - DI Goodman in Return to Paradise - with DI Mooney - hope so!". A third chimed in: "Yes, my favourite detective, this needs to happen." For those eager to catch up, Death in Paradise is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.