Lisa Armstrong has reportedly severed the final connections to her former husband, television presenter Ant McPartlin, following the heartbreaking loss of her beloved dog, Hurley. The 49-year-old makeup artist has flown to Los Angeles to spend time with friends, including former bandmate Craig Young and his partner, as she processes this emotional chapter.
A Painful End to Shared Custody
Hurley, a chocolate Labrador who was twelve years old, passed away recently, leaving Armstrong "beyond heartbroken," according to close friends. The dog had been a central figure in the couple's 2018 divorce, with custody shared between Armstrong and McPartlin. For years, either Armstrong or her mother would meet with McPartlin to exchange Hurley, maintaining a strained but civil arrangement.
A source revealed, "Contrary to reports that the pair never saw each other, they used to meet up to hand over Hurley, and naturally, it could be tense, although they tried to keep things amicable. With Hurley's death, the last ties of their marriage have been completely cut."
Recent Personal Struggles
Armstrong's trip to the United States comes amid other personal challenges. She recently split from her boyfriend, actor Grant Kilburn, 34, ending their relationship last month. Reports had previously described her as "happier than ever" with Kilburn, but friends confirmed they quietly parted ways soon after.
Meanwhile, Ant McPartlin, 50, has also traveled abroad. He previously joined Armstrong at the veterinarian's office when Hurley fell ill, rushing there from the launch of Britain's Got Talent. McPartlin has since moved on, marrying his former assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, 46, in 2021, and welcoming their first child, son Wilder Patrick McPartlin, last year.
Background of the Divorce
Armstrong and McPartlin divorced in January 2018, just two months before McPartlin was involved in a car crash while over twice the legal drink-drive limit. He later admitted to drink-driving, received an £86,000 fine, and a 20-month driving ban. Following the incident, he entered rehab and took a ten-month break from television presenting.
Financially, Armstrong has built an impressive property portfolio post-divorce. With a reported £31 million settlement from McPartlin, she purchased a house near Oxford for over £700,000 in 2024. She retained their former £2.3 million West London mansion as part of the divorce deal and bought a £3.8 million house in West London in 2020.
Armstrong is expected to remain in the United States for several weeks, focusing on healing and moving forward from these recent events.
