Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson reveal they once dated

Who else had any idea that Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson were once lovers? Dame Helen, 72, and Liam, 65, delighted fans when they told the story of their romance during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show… and it stunned the world!

‘We didn’t date, we lived together for four years. We were a serious item for a while. Lucky me!’ Helen clarified.

Continuing the sweet story, Liam went on to explain how it was love at first sight for him when the pair met while filming John Boorman’s 1981 movie Excalibur.

‘I remember being on the set and standing with Ciaran Hinds as Helen walked towards us dressed in her full Morgana Le Fay costume, and we both went: “Oh f***.” I was smitten. I think Ciaran was too, but I was very smitten.’

And Liam’s feelings were clearly reciprocated!

‘Before I met her and we worked together, I had read somewhere that if she fancied a guy she would imitate his walk behind his back. And I turned around one day and she was doing that to me,’ Liam continued.

Helen previously spoke about their blissful time together as a couple, telling People that her favourite holiday memories were camping with the Irish actor.

We would drive down to France, find a campsite and Liam would cook breakfast. Can you imagine Liam in a tent? He’s 6’4”!’

The Queen and Taken stars dated for five years, before their careers saw them part ways.

While Helen – who is seven years Liam’s senior – was already an established theatre actress and had just made her name in the movie The Long Good Friday, Liam had just started acting and was struggling to find work.

‘It was difficult for him to be under my shadow. I was well known. I had the money,’ Helen revealed in a 1994 profile of Liam.