Made in Chelsea Star Ordered to Pay £2 Million After Losing Inheritance Battle
Lonan O'Herlihy, the personal trainer known as the "Posh PT" from the reality television series Made in Chelsea, has been left with a staggering court bill exceeding £2 million. This financial penalty follows his unsuccessful legal attempt to claim a portion of his late stepfather's £38 million estate.
The Inheritance Dispute and Legal Proceedings
The 36-year-old former reality star initiated legal action against Jennifer Taylor, the wife of his deceased stepfather Hugh Taylor. Hugh Taylor passed away in 2019, leaving his entire fortune, which included a Second World War-era Hawker Hurricane aircraft, classic cars, and multiple properties, to his spouse. Lonan O'Herlihy was completely omitted from the will.
O'Herlihy claimed that Hugh Taylor had been a father figure to him since childhood, stemming from Taylor's committed relationship with O'Herlihy's mother from 1995 to 2003. He argued that this relationship created a financial obligation, suing for £5 million to maintain what he described as an "appropriate" standard of living. He further contended that he had been left "homeless" after being excluded from the inheritance.
Court's Decision and Financial Consequences
The case was dismissed by Deputy Master William Henderson, who ruled that O'Herlihy had filed the lawsuit more than four years too late and that it had "no real prospect of success." As a result, the court ordered O'Herlihy to cover the substantial legal costs incurred during the trial.
According to reports, these costs total over £2 million, including £1.5 million claimed by Jennifer Taylor's legal team, £163,000 by the estate administrator, and £355,000 owed to O'Herlihy's own lawyers. While the final amount will be determined by a costs judge, O'Herlihy has been instructed to make an immediate payment of £370,000. This financial burden is particularly significant given that the reality star reportedly earns approximately £90,000 annually as a personal trainer.
Allegations and Counterarguments
During the proceedings, O'Herlihy's barrister argued that Hugh Taylor had assumed "parental responsibility" and provided financial support until O'Herlihy's early twenties. They claimed that Taylor had encouraged O'Herlihy to pursue a career in real estate, influencing his university studies and life choices based on assurances of continued support.
The court also heard that O'Herlihy had become "homeless and dependent upon the generosity of friends to keep a roof over his head," with his legal team blaming the "extraordinarily aggressive approach" of Jennifer Taylor's advisors for the loss of his girlfriend and home. They described O'Herlihy's current financial situation as "precarious," with no savings.
However, O'Herlihy faced accusations of presenting a "wish list of greed," allegedly demanding a £3 million home in South Kensington, a Patek Philippe watch, and a vintage 1969-70 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda. Deputy Master Henderson concluded that O'Herlihy was capable of supporting himself through his personal training career at the standard of living he maintained since 2012, when his relationship with Hugh Taylor effectively ended.
O'Herlihy's Response and Future Intentions
Following the ruling, Lonan O'Herlihy issued a statement clarifying his motivations. He insisted that the case "was never about seeking an unjust financial benefit" but rather about retaining "a small part of what Hugh had always indicated would be set aside for me." He described Hugh Taylor's final years as "complicated," noting that he was unable to maintain contact despite multiple attempts.
"He was my father from five years old until a sudden and unexplained pause on the relationship at 22," O'Herlihy stated. "I hope to one day find out where he is buried so I can pay my respects. Despite the outcome, I remain deeply proud of the role Hugh played in my life."
He expressed a desire to eventually acquire and preserve some items from the estate that once belonged to Hugh Taylor, hoping to keep part of his legacy alive. O'Herlihy acknowledged the heavy toll of the legal process over several years but stated that he respects the court's decision and bears "no ill will towards Mrs Taylor." He now intends to focus on moving forward with his life and career.
