Lisa Armstrong's Valentine's Day Post Reflects Personal Turmoil
Makeup artist Lisa Armstrong, aged 49, has shared a sassy single post on Instagram to mark Valentine's Day, coming shortly after her split from boyfriend Grant Kilburn, who is 34 years old. The couple had sparked up a romance last year, but their relationship ended recently, adding to Lisa's emotional challenges during this holiday period.
Grieving the Loss of Beloved Dog Hurley
If Valentine's Day was not difficult enough for Lisa following her breakup, she is also mourning the death of her cherished dog Hurley, a chocolate Labrador aged 12. Lisa had co-shared Hurley with her ex-husband, television presenter Ant McPartlin, aged 51. The pair entered a bitter custody battle over the dog after their split in 2018, which ended their 11-year marriage.
Ant reportedly made a desperate dash from Britain's Got Talent to be with Hurley after veterinarians stated the pet was too ill to recover. According to sources, Lisa was also present at the vet's office simultaneously with Ant, highlighting the shared grief over their dog's passing. The upset star rushed out of a BGT press conference in London to say his goodbyes before Hurley was put to sleep.
Bittersweet Instagram Quote Shared
On Saturday, Lisa reposted a bittersweet quote on her Instagram 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 at the bright side, you're not a n**! This post underscores her current single status and the emotional weight of recent events.
Lisa had regularly shared snaps of Hurley on Instagram, referring to him as her baby boy. Her last post with the dog showed him lying on her bed to mark International Dog Day in August last year, making his loss even more poignant.
Ant McPartlin's Bond with Hurley
Ant has previously credited Hurley with helping him through his drink and drug addiction during his bitter divorce from Lisa. In a 2019 interview with The Sun On Sunday, following his stint in rehab, Ant expressed deep affection for the dog, saying: 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.
During their divorce battle, Ant reportedly refused to surrender full custody of Hurley to Lisa, telling lawyers: She can have anything she wants – except the dog. This led to an arrangement where Ant's chauffeur ferried the dog between them to avoid direct contact. The pair adopted Hurley in 2013 after struggling to have children together during their 13-year marriage.
Recent Developments in Ant and Lisa's Lives
Ant split from Lisa in 2018 and went on to marry his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie, in 2021. In May 2024, he became a father for the first time, welcoming son Wilder with Anne-Marie. The couple also have two Maltipoos, Milo and Bumble, adding to their family.
Meanwhile, Lisa's split from Grant Kilburn occurred last month, just weeks after friends claimed she was happier than ever in her new relationship. A source told The Mirror: It's very sad but it wasn't to be. Insiders had previously noted that Lisa found a renewed sense of happiness and energy post-divorce, with a source saying: She's been so used to being in relationships where she played second fiddle. This time, she's number one.
Lisa and Grant were introduced by Stacey and Kevin Clifton following one of their performances, as revealed by the Daily Mail in December. Prior to this, Lisa split from her boyfriend James Green, a Sky electrician aged 42, in 2023, and he moved out of her home.
Ant's Past Legal and Personal Struggles
Ant's career faced significant challenges when he was arrested for drink-driving near his London home. He was later handed a record £86,000 fine, believed to be the highest ever issued by a British court for this offence. At the time, he was pictured looking dishevelled after colliding with a BMW while walking his dogs in Richmond Park.
In 2017, before splitting from Lisa, Ant argued for visits from Hurley while in residential rehab, even though he could not see his wife, underscoring the dog's importance in his life. Hurley even gained minor celebrity status, with Ant noting in his interview that people recognized the dog from media coverage.
Overall, Lisa Armstrong's Valentine's Day post serves as a poignant reminder of her recent personal losses, including her breakup and the death of her beloved dog, while highlighting the ongoing complexities of her past relationship with Ant McPartlin.
