Hugh Grant's 'puppy dog eyes' persuaded Liz Hurley to join a privacy claim.

Elizabeth Hurley told the High Court that Hugh Grant persuaded her in 2015 to join a privacy claim against Mirror Group Newspapers, and she is now one of seven claimants in a separate case against Associated Newspapers.

Elizabeth Hurley told the High Court that Hugh Grant persuaded her in 2015 to become involved in a privacy claim against Mirror Group Newspapers. She said he gave her 'puppy dog eyes' and asked her to help. Hurley previously brought a successful action against MGN, receiving £350,000 in damages which she donated to pressure group Hacked Off. She is now one of seven claimants in a separate case against Associated Newspapers, which denies wrongdoing. Key points: - Hurley said Hugh Grant asked her in 2015 to take part in a privacy claim and described his appeal as 'puppy dog eyes'. - She received £350,000 from a successful Mirror Group action and gave the payment to Hacked Off. - Hurley is suing Associated Newspapers over 15 articles that she alleges used unlawfully obtained information, including details of her pregnancy and disputes with Steve Bing. - Prince Harry and Sir Elton John are among other claimants in the Associated case; the publisher has called the allegations 'preposterous' and 'simply untrue'. - Hurley's son Damian was present in court and Prince Harry sat nearby during her evidence. - A private investigator, Gavin Burrows, is said to have made a witness statement alleging hacking and landline tapping, but he has since disavowed that statement; he is due to give evidence later in the trial. Summary: Hurley's testimony emphasised that a personal request from Hugh Grant played a role in her decision to join earlier legal action, and recalled her prior settlement with Mirror Group Newspapers which she donated to Hacked Off. The trial against Associated Newspapers is ongoing, with Gavin Burrows scheduled to give evidence later and other claimants, including Baroness Lawrence, also expected to appear.