Ant McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong shares emotional poem in memory of beloved dog Hurley after his passing – following their bitter custody battle

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Lisa Armstrong, who is divorced from Ant McPartlin, shared a touching poem online to remember their dog, Hurley, who recently passed away.

The 50-year-old presenter used to share ownership of the pet with his former wife, Lisa, 49. After their divorce in 2018, they had a difficult disagreement about who should keep it.

People close to Ant have said he’s deeply saddened by the loss of Hurley, especially since he and his former partner, Lisa, had recently established a shared parenting arrangement for him.

Ant had previously acknowledged Hurley’s support in his recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

Sources say Ant quickly went to see his former partner, Lisa, at the vet shortly after finishing a press event for Britain’s Got Talent in London.

After finding out their 12-year-old dog, Hurley, was very sick and wouldn’t get better, they made the difficult decision to euthanize him.

On Monday, the makeup artist from Strictly Come Dancing shared the poem ‘Rainbow Bridge’ on her Instagram Stories as a tribute to Hurley.

You weren’t just an animal; you were family. I’ll always cherish the memory of your sweet, innocent eyes when we first met.

You were always so playful and energetic, darting around and excitedly greeting us whenever we got you a treat.

From the moment we welcomed you into our family, you filled our lives with joy and adventure, leaving a lasting paw-shaped imprint on our hearts. We’ll always cherish the memories of all the places we explored together.

We’ll always remember your joyful greetings, like that happy tail wag at the door. We’ll miss all the fun tricks you did and how you’d sweetly offer your paw.

You always understood us, loved us without limits, and were happiest when running and exploring the world.

Our beloved friend has crossed the rainbow bridge. Though our time together has ended, they were more than just a pet – they were family, our very best friend.

We’ll always treasure the love we had for you, our beloved dog, our friend, and a truly special part of our family.

She also shared a snap of him by the fireplace with the caption: ‘Forever our boy.’

According to The Sun On Sunday, both Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong were able to say goodbye to their dog, Hurley, and were with him when he died peacefully.

As a big fan, it was heartbreaking to see what they’re going through. I understand they’ve been leaning on family for support, and Lisa even shared a really touching photo on Instagram over the weekend – it showed someone letting go of heart-shaped balloons, which felt so symbolic of everything.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong for comment.

In 2019, after completing rehab, Ant McPartlin discussed his close relationship with Declan Donnelly (Hurley) in an interview with The Sun On Sunday.

He explained that his bond with Hurley is special – a true friendship built on love and unwavering companionship. Hurley is always happy to see him and never scolds him, making their connection truly unique.

‘I came out of a shop the other day and there was a woman on the floor cuddling Hurley.

‘She said to me, “It’s the dog from the papers!” Hurley’s a celebrity.’

Ant McPartlin divorced Lisa Armstrong in 2018 after eleven years together. He later married his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie, in 2021.

During their divorce, Ant reportedly refused to give his ex-wife full custody of their dog, Hurley. He allegedly told his lawyers she could have all other assets, but not the pet.

To avoid facing each other, the TV presenter and their partner arranged for a chauffeur to transport their dog back and forth between their homes.

After trying for 13 years to start a family without success, the couple adopted a dog in 2013.

Lisa had regularly shared snaps of Hurley on Instagram, calling the beloved dog her ‘baby boy’.

She last posted a picture with Hurley in August of last year for International Dog Day, showing him relaxing on her bed.

Ant and his wife, Anne-Marie, became parents to a baby boy named Wilder in May 2024. They are also proud parents to their two dogs, Milo and Bumble.

This news follows reports from last week that Lisa and her actor boyfriend, Grant Kilburn, have broken up.

Sources say the Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist and her boyfriend split up last month, shortly after people close to her reported she was very happy with him.

Of their split, a source told The Mirror: ‘It’s very sad but it wasn’t to be.’

The Daily Mail has contacted Lisa’s representatives for comment.

Recently, sources close to Lisa reported she was feeling happier and more energetic after her divorce from Ant in 2018.

According to a source, she was accustomed to being in relationships where she wasn’t the primary focus.

She’s finally feeling on top of the world. After being hurt before, she’s taking things slowly in this new relationship, but she’s being showered with affection and her partner is incredibly attentive.

He completely centers his life around her and makes sure she knows how much he loves her. She’s thriving in her career, really finding her footing, and he’s been a big supporter of that.

The Daily Mail reported in December that Grant and Lisa connected immediately after being set up by Stacey and Kevin Clifton after one of their shows.

In 2023, she ended her relationship with James Green, a 42-year-old electrician for Sky, and he subsequently moved out of her house.

The same year she finalized her divorce, a fire caused extensive damage to her £5 million home in Chiswick.

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2026-02-17 03:34