Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong's Bitter Dog Custody Battle Before Tragic Death
Nearly six years after their divorce was finalised, television presenter Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong recently reunited in grief to say goodbye to their beloved chocolate Labrador, Hurley. The dog's passing marks the end of a tumultuous custody battle that reportedly escalated into a heated argument just before Ant's drink-drive crash in 2018.
The Custody Dispute Over Hurley
Ant, 50, and Lisa, a celebrity make-up artist, were together for 23 years before announcing their divorce in January 2018. The couple, who lived in a £6 million home in Chiswick, West London, had adopted Hurley after struggling to have children and described him as a source of unwavering loyalty and companionship.
Following their split, they agreed to share custody of the dog, but the arrangement was far from smooth. Lisa was reportedly deeply upset, viewing Hurley as her constant companion during the painful divorce proceedings. The issue of care arrangements became so fractious that it allegedly led to a major falling out between the former couple.
The Heated Argument and Drink-Drive Incident
In January 2018, Ant was arrested after crashing his car in Richmond while under the influence of alcohol. Reports at the time suggested the incident followed a blazing row with Lisa over whose turn it was to look after Hurley. According to sources, Lisa was at home with her father when Ant called, and the conversation quickly descended into angry words and swearing.
Lisa's father, Derek, was forced to intervene, taking the phone and telling Ant, "Don't you dare speak to my daughter like that." However, friends of Ant claimed Lisa was equally combative, with the arguments rooted in her refusal to accept the marriage was over.
Escalating Tensions and New Relationships
For years, Ant's chauffeur reportedly drove Hurley between their respective homes to avoid direct contact. However, tensions flared again in 2023 after Ant got two maltipoos, Bumble and Milo, with his new wife, Anne-Marie. Lisa then demanded full custody of Hurley, but Ant refused, insisting on joint custody despite his new family commitments.
Sources described the situation as "cruel," noting that Lisa felt Hurley was all she had left while Ant moved on with Anne-Marie, whom she regarded as a former friend. Ant's remarriage in 2021 and the birth of his son, Wilder, in May 2024 added to Lisa's heartache, as she had also struggled with infertility during their marriage.
The Final Goodbye and Ongoing Discord
Hurley's sad death at age 12 brought Ant and Lisa face-to-face for the first time in eight years at a vet's surgery in west London. Both were inconsolable upon learning there were no treatment options left for their beloved pet. However, any hope of reconciliation was dashed, with sources indicating "too much hurt, too much has happened" between them.
Lisa's personal life has also faced challenges, with her recent relationship with actor Grant Kilburn reportedly ending. On Valentine's Day, she posted a sassy message on social media, hinting at her solitary status and lingering frustrations.
The custody battle over Hurley highlights the enduring emotional complexities of divorce, particularly when shared pets are involved. Despite their shared grief, Ant and Lisa's relationship remains strained, a testament to the deep wounds left by their past conflicts.
