Lisa Armstrong found solace in the company of a former bandmate this week as she continues to mourn the recent passing of her cherished pet dog, Hurley. The beloved chocolate labrador was shared with her ex-husband, television presenter Ant McPartlin, and his death has left both former partners heartbroken.
A Comforting Reunion in Los Angeles
On Thursday, the make-up artist was spotted enjoying a brunch date in Los Angeles alongside close friend Craig Robert Young. Young, who relocated to the United States over two decades ago, was accompanied by his husband, advertising executive and film producer Michael Di Girolamo. Armstrong, aged 49, appeared relaxed and casual in a loose-fitting sweater paired with cargo pants during the outing.
From Pop Stardom to Separate Careers
The duo first rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as members of the manufactured pop group Deuce. Formed in 1994 by former Pet Shop Boys manager Tom Watkins, the band also included Kelly O'Keefe and Paul Holmes. Deuce achieved moderate success in the United Kingdom, landing four singles in the Top 30 charts before disbanding in 1997.
Following the group's split, Armstrong leveraged her BRIT school education to build a highly successful career as a television make-up artist. She has worked on a string of primetime shows, including The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing, and Britain's Got Talent. Meanwhile, Young pursued acting in Los Angeles, securing roles in popular US television series such as Charmed, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Melrose Place, and Lost.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Hurley
Armstrong and McPartlin are currently navigating the painful loss of their 12-year-old dog, Hurley. The labrador was put to sleep in February after a prolonged struggle with illness. The couple's devotion to Hurley was so profound that the dog became a central point of contention during their acrimonious divorce proceedings in 2018.
It is understood that McPartlin, aware of Hurley's deteriorating condition, rushed from a Britain's Got Talent press conference in London to be with his ex-wife at a veterinary clinic. Together, they made the difficult decision to euthanise their beloved pet. In a 2019 interview, McPartlin spoke emotionally about his bond with Hurley, describing an unwavering loyalty and companionship that he cherished deeply.
A Shared Custody Arrangement
During their divorce, McPartlin reportedly refused to surrender full custody of Hurley to Armstrong, famously telling lawyers, "She can have anything she wants – except the dog." This led to an unusual arrangement where the TV presenter's chauffeur would ferry Hurley between their homes, allowing the former couple to avoid direct contact.
The pair adopted Hurley in 2013 after facing challenges in starting a family during their marriage. Armstrong frequently shared affectionate snaps of Hurley on Instagram, referring to him as her "baby boy." Her last post featuring the dog was in August last year to celebrate International Dog Day.
Life After Divorce and New Beginnings
McPartlin and Armstrong ended their 11-year marriage in 2018. McPartlin has since remarried, tying the knot with his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Wilder, in May 2024, and they also share two Maltipoo dogs, Milo and Bumble.
For Armstrong, the loss of Hurley follows her recent split from actor boyfriend Grant Kilburn, which occurred just last month. Despite these personal challenges, her enduring friendship with Craig Robert Young, who married Di Girolamo in December 2023, appears to provide a source of support and comfort during this difficult period.
