Ant McPartlin's Emotional Dash to Vet as Beloved Dog Hurley Passes Away
Television presenter Ant McPartlin reportedly made a dramatic last-minute journey from the Britain's Got Talent launch event to be with his cherished dog Hurley, who passed away this week. The 50-year-old star, who had shared custody of the pet with his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong following their 2018 divorce, was said to be "very upset" by the loss of the animal he credited with helping him overcome addiction struggles.
Joint Decision at Veterinary Clinic
Sources indicate that Ant rushed to join Lisa at a veterinary clinic hours after attending the BGT press conference in London. The former couple then faced the heartbreaking choice to have Hurley euthanized after learning their 12-year-old dog was too ill to recover. According to reports, both Ant and Lisa were able to spend time with Hurley beforehand, with the presenter present as the dog passed away peacefully.
The Sun On Sunday detailed that relatives comforted the pair during this difficult time. Lisa subsequently posted an Instagram image showing a girl releasing hearts into the sky, which many interpreted as a tribute to their departed pet. Representatives for both Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong have been contacted for official comment regarding the situation.
Previous Custody Battle Over Beloved Pet
The couple's attachment to Hurley was evident during their divorce proceedings, when Ant reportedly told lawyers: "She can have anything she wants – except the dog." This declaration led to a joint custody arrangement that required Ant's chauffeur to transport Hurley between the two households so the former spouses could avoid direct contact.
Ant previously spoke emotionally about his bond with Hurley during a 2019 interview with The Sun On Sunday, following his rehabilitation treatment. "There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe," he said. "He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me." The presenter even noted that Hurley had achieved minor celebrity status, with strangers recognizing him in public.
Background of the Shared Pet
Ant and Lisa adopted Hurley in 2013 during their marriage, at a time when they were struggling to have children together. Lisa regularly shared photographs of the dog on Instagram, referring to him affectionately as her "baby boy." Her final post featuring Hurley showed him resting on her bed to commemorate International Dog Day in August of last year.
Since their separation, Ant has remarried his former personal assistant Anne-Marie in 2021 and welcomed his first child, son Wilder, in May 2024. The couple also owns two Maltipoo dogs named Milo and Bumble. Meanwhile, Lisa's personal life has seen recent changes, with reports indicating she has split from actor boyfriend Grant Kilburn just weeks after friends claimed she was "happier than ever" in the new relationship.
Recent Developments in Their Lives
Insiders suggested that Lisa had found renewed happiness following her marriage breakdown, with a source noting: "She's been so used to being in relationships where she played second fiddle. This time, she's number one." The romance with Grant Kilburn began in December after being introduced by Strictly Come Dancing stars Stacey and Kevin Clifton.
This emotional chapter with Hurley's passing comes after other challenges in Lisa's life, including a 2023 split from boyfriend James Green and a fire that damaged her £5 million Chiswick home that same year. For Ant, the loss of Hurley represents the end of an important chapter with an animal that provided significant emotional support during difficult periods in his life and career.
