PLAYING THE LEADING LADY IN HER SON'S FIRST FILM ELIZABETH AND DAMIAN HURLEY

THE BEST FRIENDS’ ON WHY THEY LOVE LIVING AND WORKING TOGETHER AND THE GRIEF THAT INSPIRED HIM

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Our video call with the Hurleys begins in a suitably glamorous way.

Appearing first on a wobbly screen is Damian, Elizabeth’s 22-year-old son, dressed in summer whites and sitting languorously on a double bed in a spacious bedroom. His mother is trying to balance their laptop on top of an ice bucket, evoking scenes of champagne soirées.

“It’s fine,” she says firmly, coming into view, dazzling in a white cotton shirt worn over pink swimwear. “Just don’t move.”

The pair are in Greece staying with a friend with whom they might potentially do business. “So, a busman’s holiday,” says the actress, model, producer and swimwear brand founder as she sits next to her equally beautiful son, both tanned and glowing.

The pair have been busy promoting Damian’s directorial debut, Strictly Confidential, a film he describes as “a sensual mystery with a pulse”, and which stars his mum.

It attracted headlines even before its release, thanks to a steamy scene, directed by Damian, between Elizabeth and another woman. Although most families would run for the hills to avoid such embarrassment, Elizabeth and Damian are positively blasé about the fuss caused.

“Here’s the thing: in real life, I don’t think I’ve ever kissed anyone in front of Damian,” she says matter-of-factly.

“He’s been on my film sets since he was eight years old, and he’s frequently seen me kiss people, and it’s not that sexy.”

Her son agrees. “It’s business,” he says. “When you’ve still got seven scenes to get through, it’s the last thing on one’s mind.”