Lisa Armstrong's Cryptic Valentine's Day Message Amid Reported Split
Lisa Armstrong, the renowned Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist, has shared a cryptic Valentine's Day post on social media this weekend, following reports of a split from her boyfriend, Grant Kilburn. The 49-year-old celebrity is said to have parted ways with Kilburn, aged 34, recently, just weeks after insiders claimed she was 'happier than ever' in her new relationship.
Details of the Split and Social Media Post
A source close to the situation revealed to The Mirror that the breakup is 'very sad but it wasn't to be.' On Saturday, which marked Valentine's Day, Armstrong took to her Instagram Story to share a poignant quote that read: 'Roses are flowers, pebbles are stones. Here's a big shout out to those on their own. Count yourself lucky and try not to sob. Look on the bright side, you're not with a ***!' This message has sparked speculation among fans and followers about her current emotional state.
Just a few weeks prior, friends had described Lisa as experiencing a renewed sense of happiness and energy, following her highly publicised marriage breakdown with television presenter Ant McPartlin in 2018. A source commented at the time: 'She's been so used to being in relationships where she played second fiddle.' The romance between Armstrong and Kilburn was first revealed by the Daily Mail in December, after they were introduced by mutual friends Stacey and Kevin Clifton following a stage performance.
Background on the Relationship and Recent Events
Grant Kilburn, who is 15 years younger than Lisa, is a fellow cast member in the stage production 2:22 A Ghost Story, which has been touring the UK since August 2025. Sources indicated that the couple quickly hit it off after their introduction, with one insider noting: 'Lisa and Grant have really hit it off - and it's put the smile back on her face.' However, the recent split has cast a shadow over this brief period of joy.
The cryptic social media activity comes in the wake of another emotional event for Lisa: the death of Hurley, the beloved dog she shared with her ex-husband, Ant McPartlin. Reports suggest that Ant made a last-minute dash from the Britain's Got Talent launch to be with Hurley as the dog passed away this week. The pair, who had entered a bitter custody battle over Hurley after their 2018 split, were both present at the vet when the difficult decision was made to put the 12-year-old dog to sleep due to illness.
Emotional Impact and Public Reactions
Sources have revealed that Ant is 'very upset' by Hurley's passing, and both he and Lisa were comforted by relatives during this trying time. Lisa posted a snap on Instagram showing a girl releasing hearts into the sky, which many interpreted as a tribute to Hurley. Ant had previously credited Hurley with helping him overcome his struggles with drink and drug addiction, describing the bond in a 2019 interview: 'There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe. He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.'
Lisa Armstrong was married to Ant McPartlin for 11 years before their split in 2018, and Ant has since remarried his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie, in 2021. The combination of the reported breakup with Kilburn and the loss of Hurley has undoubtedly been a challenging period for Lisa, as reflected in her recent social media posts. The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for both Lisa Armstrong and Ant McPartlin for further comment on these developments.
