EXCLUSIVE: Ant McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong’s ‘fresh start’ with 15yr age-gap famous boyfriend

Ant McPartlin’s ex-wife Lisa Armstrong has had a tough time in recent years but now a source has insisted that her new man is “treating her like a princess” as she moves on

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Ant McPartin’s ex-wife ‘doesn’t want to get hurt again’ as she moves on(Image: BBC/Strictly It Takes Two)

Lisa Armstrong has had a heartbreaking time in recent years, but a source claims her new man has made her “happier than ever”, and she’s finally moving on – brimming with confidence and a newfound energy.

“She’s been so used to being in relationships where she played second fiddle,” the source claimed. “This time, she’s number one. She’s taking it slow, she doesn’t want to get hurt again – but she’s being treated like a princess and her new man cannot do enough for her.

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“His life revolves around hers and he adores her – and he tells her so all the time. She’s doing so well with her career, she’s come into her own right and he’s encouraged that.“

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Lisa is thought to have found love with Grant Kilburn(Image: INSTAGRAM)

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The actor starred as Ben in the West End production of 2:22: A Ghost Story(Image: grantkilburn/Instagram)

Make-up artist to the stars Lisa, who helps to create the glitz and glamour on Strictly Come Dancing, has reportedly found love with actor Grant Kilburn, 34, with the pair quietly dating since December.

The 49-year-old is thought to have been introduced to Grant by her pals, former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton and his partner Stacey Dooley. Stacey and Kevin, who also have a two-year-old daughter Minnie after falling for each other on the hit BBC show in 2018, had been on tour with Grant in the play 2:22 A Ghost Story until the end of 2025.

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During the tour across the UK, it’s believed Lisa was introduced to her new man in October when they performed at the Theatre Royal in Brighton, and romance soon blossomed.

And though the Kent-based actor has been busy touring, and Lisa had her hands full on Strictly until Christmas, the pair have been spending quality time together whenever they can.

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Lisa was married to TV favourite Ant McPartlin from 2006 until 2018(Image: FilmMagic)

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Since he moved on and married Anne-Marie Corbett, she has spoken out with various messages on Instagram(Image: lisaarmstrongmakeup/Instagram)

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Lisa was famously married to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! host Ant McPartlin after meeting as teenagers, but after 11 years of marriage, they were granted a divorce in 2018.

At one stage they were TV’s golden couple – but the pair had a host of ups and downs during their marriage, including their struggle to start a family.

Ant hinted at their hidden heartache in a 2013 interview, when he said, “Lisa and I would love to have kids. We’re trying. It’s tougher than you think when you get a bit older.”

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Ant’s past addiction issues, which he openly admitted had a detrimental effect on their relationship, also cast a shadow – and saw him enter rehab for alcohol and prescription drug addiction in 2017.

Despite their split, the pair still share custody of their beloved 12-year-old chocolate Labrador, Hurley – who continues tobe a regular fixture on Lisa’s Instagram page.

In 2020, Lisa moved on with electrician James Green. They even moved in together and reportedly planned to tie the knot – but they called it a day in 2023.

Adding to an already tough time, that same year, Lisa’s £5 million Chiswick home, which she bought following her divorce from Ant, was severely damaged in a fire.

But it seems Lisa has found the fresh start she so deserved in Grant, and she isn’t worried about any raised eyebrows over their age gap.

“Lisa’s not at all bothered about the age difference, or what anyone else might think about it,” said our source. “She actually loves dating a younger man – and how different he is to anyone she’s dated before.”

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Lisa certainly seems ready for a new chapter. Back in 2024, she was a single woman – while her ex Ant celebrated Christmas with new wife Anne-Marie, the couple’s former personal assistant, and their son Wilder.

She ended the year with an emotional social media post which seemed to predict the good things to come. It read, “You spent 2024 in survival mode. 2025 is your time to rise, rebuild, and thrive.”

Lisa’s new love interest has not had it easy in life either. In 2014, he was just 23 when he collapsed while out on a shopping trip with his brother.

Rushed to hospital and “convinced he was going to die”, a CT scan later discovered that Grant had suffereda stroke caused by two blood clots at the base of his brain.

His terrifying experience, understandably, is thought to have taken him many years to recover from – and also inspired Grant to help raise awareness for the Stroke Association.

But it seems this is the man to put a smile back on Lisa’s face, as our source adds that Lisa has never been in a better place. “She feels they’re perfect together, she trusts him and she’s embracing every aspect of this relationship.” They added, “This could truly be her best year yet. She’s taking it day by day, but she’s never felt happier or more full of confidence. Friends and family have noticed the change in her and really think these two could go the distance – they’re delighted for her.”