EXCLUSIVE: Ant McPartlin’s ‘tears in sad realisation’ with ex Lisa Armstrong

Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong reunited for the first time in eight years after the sad news that their beloved dog, Hurley, had died

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Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong(Image: Getty Images)

Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong put their differences aside last week, reuniting for the first time in eight years after their beloved dog, Hurley, was taken ill. TV presenter Ant abruptly left a launch event for the new series of Britain’s Got Talent after hearing the chocolate labrador had been rushed to the vet.

Once there, he and Lisa, who have reportedly not come face-to-face since their divorce in 2018, made the devastating decision to put the 12-year-old pooch to sleep. Ant, 50, and Lisa, 49, adopted Hurley in 2013 and were doting dog parents. When the couple split, Hurley was at the centre of a bitter custody battle, with Ant allegedly saying his ex could have “anything but Hurley”.

He said at the time, “Hurley’s welfare comes first and we both love him very much. That’s the way it is really.”

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The couple reunited following the death of their dog(Image: Instagram)

Eventually it was decided they would have joint custody, with Hurley spending time with both Lisa and Ant, who is now married to his ex’s former personal assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, 46.

With Ant and Lisa wanting no contact with one another, it’s believed his TV partner, Declan Donnelly, acted as a go-between, ferrying Hurley between their two homes. Despite their acrimonious break-up after 11 years of marriage, the pair were able to put their differences aside to bid him a final farewell and make a fresh start.

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“The one thing they both loved was that dog,” a source tells new. “The dog brought them together and was like an anchor. Lisa has been very hurt by Ant, but they were able to put that behind them in the vet’s office. It was a truce.”

Our source hopes Hurley’s passing may even help heal past wounds, with Lisa having struggled to move on from their bitter break-up. “There were tears and they both realised that it’s been a long time and life is so short,” says our source. “Hopefully they can move on now. Without a doubt that is what friends want. They’ve wanted Lisa to not be so upset with him for a while now.”

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While Ant is now happily married to Anne-Marie, with whom he shares 20-month-old son Wilder, Lisa’s love life has been a little more complicated. Earlier this month it was reported that the Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist had split from her latest boyfriend Grant Kilburn, 34. According to reports, Lisa decided things weren’t working between her and the actor, who’s recently been starring in a touring production of hit play 2:22 A Ghost Story.

“It’s very sad but it wasn’t to be,” a source said. On Valentine’s Day, Lisa appeared to take a pop at her former flame – and possibly even Ant – with a pointed post. The tongue-in-cheek poem 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 n*b!”

While our source admits it could have been a dig at Ant as well as at Grant, they’re seeing it as a positive, as it shows she’s able to poke fun at her situation. “It was a bit of both, but more about recent events,” we’re told. “It was a very funny post and things are softening between her and Ant. She’s got a sense of humour and that anger is leaving her. She’s finding that she’s less angry and is able to laugh about it now.”

Since Hurley’s death, both Ant and Lisa are said to be struggling with their grief. Sources say Lisa feels “heartbroken”, while Ant jetted overseas to mourn.

Last week Lisa – who has dropped the price of their former marital home in Chiswick, west London, after struggling to sell it – posted a poem, Rainbow Bridge, in tribute to the pooch, with a sweet photo of his paws.

The poem reads, “You left paw prints on our hearts from the moment we brought you home, so many wonderful adventures, all the places where we roamed. “The rainbow bridge came to call you, our time came to an end, you were never just a dog but always our best friend.”

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While Ant is yet to speak publicly about his loss, Hurley helped him through tough times, not least his battles with drink and prescription drug addiction. In 2019 he spoke of his love for the lab, saying, “There’s a loyalty, love and companionship with Hurley you can’t describe. He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.”

Following Hurley’s passing, a source said the TV star was “in bits” and had decided to head abroad as it was too difficult to be around Hurley’s toys at home. “He’s inconsolable,” said the source. “He absolutely adored Hurley and, naturally, he’s devastated. Hurley has been a part of his life for 12 years, so to lose him like this is crushing.”

While Ant has two other dogs, maltipoos Milo and Bumble, pals hope Lisa – who regularly posted clips of her “baby boy” Hurley online – will look into getting a replacement pup.

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“She’s so distraught about Hurley, but she’s also such a dog lover and all her friends are saying the best way to get over a dog is to get another one,” says our source. “But, you know, losing Hurley was also like saying a final goodbye to Ant.”