Made in Chelsea star Lonan O'Herlihy has been left with a £2 million court bill after his attempt to sue his late stepfather's widow was thrown out. The 36-year-old personal trainer, known as the 'Posh PT' on the reality show, was excluded from the will of Hugh Taylor, who died in 2019 leaving a £38 million fortune to his wife Jennifer Taylor.
O'Herlihy claimed he was left homeless and sought £5 million from the estate, arguing that Taylor had been a father figure to him. However, Deputy Master William Henderson ruled that the claim was brought more than four years too late and had 'no real prospect of success'. The TV star has been ordered to pay £370,000 upfront, with total legal costs expected to exceed £2 million.
During the hearing, O'Herlihy's barrister argued that Taylor had a 'parental responsibility' and had promised ongoing financial support, leading O'Herlihy to make life choices based on those assurances. The court heard that O'Herlihy was now in a 'precarious financial position' with no savings, earning around £90,000 a year as a trainer.
However, the judge concluded that O'Herlihy could support himself at the standard of living he had enjoyed since 2012, when his relationship with Taylor ended. O'Herlihy was also accused of making a 'wish list of greed', demanding a £3 million home in South Kensington, a Patek Philippe watch, and a classic Mercedes.
Speaking after the ruling, O'Herlihy insisted the case was not about greed, stating: 'Bringing this case was never about seeking an unjust financial benefit. What I hoped for was simply to retain a small part of what Hugh had always indicated would be set aside for me.' He added that he hoped to one day find out where Taylor is buried to pay his respects.
