Lisa Armstrong, the former wife of television presenter Ant McPartlin, is reportedly experiencing a new lease of life and happiness with her new actor boyfriend, Grant Kilburn.
A Blossoming Backstage Romance
The Daily Mail first revealed in December 2024 that the 49-year-old make-up artist, who leads the hair and make-up team on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, had fallen for the 34-year-old actor. The pair, with a 15-year age gap, have been quietly dating for several weeks.
Their meeting was orchestrated by mutual friends in the entertainment world. Armstrong went to watch Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton perform in the play 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Theatre Royal in Brighton in early October 2024. Following the show, Dooley and Clifton introduced her to fellow cast member Grant Kilburn, and the connection was instant.
Finding Happiness After Heartbreak
Sources close to Armstrong have told The Mirror that this new relationship marks a significant positive shift. "She's been so used to being in relationships where she played second fiddle," a friend revealed. "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."
The insider added that Kilburn's devotion is clear: "His life revolves around hers and he adores her - and he tells her so all the time." This newfound romance is said to have filled Armstrong with renewed confidence and energy as she finally moves on from past heartbreaks.
Armstrong's personal life has seen considerable turmoil since her acrimonious split from Ant McPartlin in 2018 after 11 years of marriage and 23 years together. More recently, she split from boyfriend James Green, a 42-year-old Sky electrician, in 2023, the same year a fire damaged her £5 million home in Chiswick.
Overcoming Adversity Together
Grant Kilburn has also faced significant challenges in his own life. After graduating from the prestigious Mountview drama school in 2013, his acting career was burgeoning. However, in April 2014, at the age of 23, he suffered a major stroke caused by two large blood clots at the base of his brain.
In a 2023 interview, Kilburn recalled the terror of the event, stating he was "convinced I was going to die." The aftermath led to years of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks as he feared a recurrence. With professional support, he worked to overcome these fears and has since become an advocate for the Stroke Association, visiting prisons to encourage men to discuss mental health.
Friends suggest that both Armstrong and Kilburn's experiences of overcoming difficult periods have created a strong bond. The couple are said to be taking their relationship "one day at a time," with Kilburn, who lives in Kent, staying with Armstrong when their busy schedules allow. Armstrong continues her high-profile work on Strictly, while Kilburn has been touring with the stage production.
The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Lisa Armstrong for comment.
