Ant McPartlin Extends Olive Branch to Ex-Wife Following Pet's Death
In a poignant gesture, television presenter Ant McPartlin sent a bouquet of flowers to his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, following the death of their beloved chocolate Labrador, Hurley. This act has sparked speculation of a potential thaw in the long-standing tensions between the former couple, who divorced in 2018 after a bitter split.
A Thoughtful Gesture Amid Grief
Insiders revealed to The Daily Mail that McPartlin, 50, organised for the flowers to be hand-delivered to Armstrong's home the day after Hurley passed away. The Britain's Got Talent host reportedly arranged the delivery just before jetting off to Portugal with his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, and their three children.
Armstrong, 49, a makeup artist for Strictly Come Dancing, was said to be "touched" by the gesture. She reportedly joked to friends that it was the first time McPartlin had sent her flowers "in years." An insider commented, "Lisa was really taken aback by the flowers - she truly wasn't expecting anything. It was a really thoughtful thing to do."
Shared Custody and a Painful Loss
The former couple had entered a contentious custody battle over Hurley following their divorce, ultimately agreeing to a week-to-week sharing arrangement through the courts. Due to their animosity, transfers of the dog typically involved intermediaries, such as Lisa's mother or Ant's personal assistant, to avoid direct contact.
Earlier this month, the exes briefly reunited at a London veterinary clinic where Hurley, aged 12, was put to sleep. The pain of the loss was overwhelming for Armstrong, leaving McPartlin to be with the dog alone in its final moments. A source described how Hurley died in McPartlin's arms, highlighting the emotional weight of the situation.
Dividing Ashes and Moving Forward
In the aftermath, the pair organised for Hurley to be cremated, with his ashes divided equally between them. Each plans to hold a private memorial ceremony. A pal explained, "Ant and Lisa agreed to share Hurley's ashes 50/50. It's a decision they felt was fair, and it means they'll both be able to hold their own farewells." The ashes are likely to be buried in their respective gardens, allowing both to pay regular respects.
With Hurley's passing, the last tangible link between McPartlin and Armstrong has been severed. An insider noted, "Hurley was the only connection Lisa and Ant had, so his passing really is the end of an era. It's unlikely they'll ever speak or see each other again." However, the shared grief has prompted a moment of civility, summed up by McPartlin's floral gift.
Background of the Feud and Personal Struggles
McPartlin and Armstrong married in 2006, but their relationship deteriorated, leading to a highly publicised £30 million divorce battle in 2018. The feud intensified when McPartlin moved on with their former personal assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, 47, whom he married in 2022. They have since welcomed a son, Wilder, and McPartlin is stepfather to Corbett's two older children.
McPartlin has openly credited Hurley with helping him overcome addiction battles, including a stint in rehab in 2019. He once said, "There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe." The dog was even allowed to visit him during rehab after his drink-drive conviction in 2018.
The couple initially adopted Hurley partly due to struggles with infertility. In a move that may stir old wounds, McPartlin recently expressed his desire for more children, calling fatherhood his "greatest achievement." He stated on his podcast, "I've got three and I'd have more. It is the best, the absolute best being a dad."
A Glimmer of Hope for Civility
While the future of their relationship remains uncertain, McPartlin's gesture offers a glimmer of hope. The insider added, "It's baby steps, but it's a sign Ant and Lisa could be civil again in the near future." As both grieve separately—McPartlin in Portugal and Armstrong in Los Angeles—this small act of kindness may pave the way for a more amicable dynamic, even as they embark on separate lives without their beloved pet.
