Liam Fox helped Natalie Imbruglia choose her hit Torn as a single (Picture: Patrick Ford/Redferns)
In a claim that was not on our 2024 bingo card, former Tory MP Liam Fox has insisted he was instrumental in the success of Natalie Imbruglia’s iconic 90s hit Torn.
The ex-Defence Secretary, 62, said he helped the 49-year-old popstar choose the timeless banger as a single and was subsequently included on the credits of her 1997 album Left of the Middle for his efforts.
Fox revelation came when he was asked by an LBC listener on Iain Dale’s show if rumours were true he once dated the Shiver hitmaker and, in true politician style didn’t answer the question directly, but said they were ‘very good friends.’
On the radio programme, Dale read out a question for Fox from an LBC named Elliot, he asked: ‘Is it true that you dated Natalie Imbruglia in the 1990s? I need to know.
Fox replied: ‘Well I would say that if you need to know that, you probably require a level of therapy.
‘Yes, we were very good friends; yes, I did help her pick Torn out as a single; and yes, I was on the credits of the album.’
Fox denied he had ever dated Natalie but said they were ‘very good friends’ (Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Fox said that Natalie included him as a credit on her album after his help with Torn (Picture: James Smith/Sam Snap/GC Images)
Natalie first rose to fame in the 90s and was behind a string of hits including Shiver (Picture: Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Fox is not the only rogue public figure the former Neighbours actress is rumoured to have dated.
DIY SOS’s very own Nick Knowles claimed he had a ‘thing’ with herwhen they were ‘friends’ on Chris Moyles’s Radio X podcast
‘I wouldn’t describe it as a thing,’ he said, with a coy air. ‘Well, we were friends. It was a long time ago. She’s very beautiful and very bright and very funny.
‘We went up to Edinburgh to do the G8 summit – she was part of the Comic Relief show. We’ve done various stuff.’
Natalie began her career on Neighbours before pursuing music (Picture: Paul Bergen/Redferns)
There were rumours Fox and Natalie were more than just friends (Picture: Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)
Natalie also set the record straight on some of the famous men she supposedly dated after a ‘crazy’ period after her divorce from Silverchair singer Daniel Johns in 2008.
Rattling off her little black book, the Smoke singer declared: ‘Robbie Williams? No. Never happened. David Schwimmer? Yes, that was a happy relationship.’
‘Prince Harry? No. I know him. But no. Harry Styles? No,’ she told Red Magazine.
It’s thought Natalie is still in a relationship with photographer Matt Field after beginning a romance in 2017.
Natalie is still performing decades after launching her career (Picture: Rob Ball/Getty Images)
Many fans have been dazzled by Natalie’s ‘ageless’ appearance (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
This throwback picture of Viccy B and Natalie from the 90s is iconic (Picture: David Tonge/Getty Images)
Fox – er, in case you were wondering – is still married to doctor Jesme Baird. The couple tied the knot in 2005.
His professional life, however, is less happy and he might want to consider a return to A&R as he lost his seat as North Somerset MP in the General Election as part of the Tory bloodbath.
Natalie, meanwhile, is enjoying a career renaissance and recently performed at Shania Twain’s headline set at BST Hyde Park.
Last this year, she will be touring with The Corrs as their support act at venues including London’s O2.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.