Grieving television presenter Ant McPartlin has made the difficult decision to leave the United Kingdom following the heartbreaking death of his beloved Labrador, Hurley. The star, best known for his work on Britain's Got Talent and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, is said to be inconsolable and struggling to cope with the loss.
Devastating Loss Leads to Sudden Departure
According to sources close to the situation, McPartlin found himself unable to remain at his family home where Hurley's toys and belongings served as constant reminders of his cherished companion. "He's absolutely devastated," revealed an insider. "Hurley has been a part of his life for twelve years, so this loss has been completely crushing. He said he couldn't be around Hurley's things as he grieved."
Final Moments at Veterinary Surgery
The tragic events unfolded last week while McPartlin was working on Britain's Got Talent. Upon learning that Hurley would not recover from his condition, the presenter made a swift dash to a veterinary practice in west London to be with his dog during its final moments. It was during this emotional visit that McPartlin reportedly encountered his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, for the first time in years.
The pair, who shared ownership of Hurley during their marriage, put aside their personal differences in the consulting room to support each other through the difficult situation. Their divorce was finalized in 2018 after eleven years of marriage, during which they faced numerous challenges including struggles to start a family.
Hurley's Significant Role in McPartlin's Life
Hurley played an especially important role in McPartlin's life during one of his most challenging periods. Following a 2015 knee operation that led to painkiller and alcohol addiction, and subsequent arrest for drink-driving in 2018, the Labrador provided crucial emotional support when McPartlin's career faced uncertainty.
The bond was so significant that McPartlin even named one of his companies after his pet. Hurley Promotions Ltd lists both McPartlin and his presenting partner Declan Donnelly as directors. Similarly, the pair have another company named after Donnelly's dog called Rocky Promotions Ltd.
Current Relationships and Personal Growth
While McPartlin mourns his loss, his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong has reportedly found new romance with actor Grant Kilburn, 34. The couple have been quietly dating since December after being introduced by mutual friends Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley, both former Strictly Come Dancing professionals.
In recent interviews, McPartlin has spoken openly about his improved mental health and sobriety journey. Speaking on Ferne Cotton's Happy Place podcast this month, he explained: "I feel pretty good. I work at it a lot. Because I'm sober, there's things I work at daily, gratitude lists of an evening, little prayers, so it's something you constantly have to check in with."
The presenter, who turned 50 in November last year, told The Times that he welcomed the milestone birthday after finding his early forties "really tough." He added: "These last few years, it's the happiest I've been in a long, long time. What changes as you get older, especially being sober as well, for me, is the purpose."
McPartlin emphasized the importance of balancing his professional commitments with personal life, noting that while he loves live television work with Donnelly, he equally values returning to family afterwards. The presenter's decision to leave the country temporarily reflects his need for private space to process this significant personal loss away from the constant reminders at home.
