In a poignant development following the death of their cherished brown Labrador, television presenter Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong have had their beloved pet Hurley cremated, with the ashes divided equally between them. The former couple, who endured a bitter divorce and custody battle over the dog, reunited for the first time in eight years to be with Hurley during his final hours last month.
Private Memorials Planned by Feuding Exes
Sources close to the pair have revealed that both Ant, aged 50, and Lisa, aged 49, will hold their own private individual memorial ceremonies for Hurley, who passed away at the age of twelve and a half. The decision to split the ashes fifty-fifty was described by a friend as fair, allowing each to say their own farewells. Ant has already collected his portion of the ashes, while Lisa intends to do so upon her return from a trip to Los Angeles, where she has been grieving. It is likely the ashes will be buried in their respective gardens, enabling regular visits to pay respects.
Reunion for Final Goodbye
The childhood sweethearts, who married in 2006 and introduced Hurley into their lives in 2013 amid struggles to have children, had been embroiled in a bitter £30 million divorce battle following their 2018 split. Their animosity was such that they typically avoided direct contact, with Lisa's mother and Ant's personal assistant handling the weekly custody exchanges of Hurley. However, they set aside their differences last month when Hurley became too ill to recover from a recent illness, agreeing to have him put to sleep at a veterinary clinic.
Ant recently shared on his podcast with Declan Donnelly that Hurley passed away in his arms, with all family members present for a sad yet lovely goodbye. He expressed deep grief, crying during walks and while preparing food for his other dogs, Milo and Bumble, whom he shares with his current wife Anne-Marie Corbett. Lisa, devastated by the loss, posted the poem "Rainbow Bridge" on her Instagram Stories alongside throwback snaps of Hurley as a puppy, celebrating his joyful life.
End of an Era for Former Couple
Hurley had been the last remaining link between Ant and Lisa, with their custody agreement finalized by courts alongside the division of properties and fortunes. An insider noted that his passing marks the end of an era, making it unlikely the exes will ever speak or see each other again, as they now lead totally separate lives. In some respects, this clean break is seen as a positive outcome from the tragedy, allowing both to move forward without ties.
Ant has previously credited Hurley with helping him overcome high-profile addiction battles, including a stint in rehab in 2019 after a drink-drive conviction, describing the dog's unwavering loyalty and companionship. Hurley, who enjoyed regular grooming and holidays, was even allowed to visit Ant in rehab, highlighting the deep bond they shared. With Hurley's ashes now divided, both Ant and Lisa can honor his memory in their own ways, closing a chapter marked by both love and conflict.
