17 May 2024 , 11:36
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Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong split in a blaze of acrimony and fought for custody of their beloved dog.
The I'm A Celeb presenter shocked the showbiz world when he announced that he was splitting from his wife, celebrity make-up artist Lisa, in 2017. The couple, who had been together for 23 years, were living in a £6million home in Chiswick, West London, with their adored Labrador Hurley when they filed for divorce.
Ant has since moved on with his former PA, wife Anne-Marie Corbett, and the pair - who tied the knot in 2021 - welcomed their first baby together earlier this week, a son called Wilder Patrick McPartlin. The Britain's Got Talent star, 48, gave a glimpse into his new family when he shared his happy news with fans.
The celebrity couple tied the knot in 2006 and split 11 years later (FilmMagic)
They reportedly rowed about the custody of their dog Hurley (Getty Images)The Instagram post of Ant cradling his newborn revealed a never-seen-before tattoo on his shoulder of a family tree. Hidden within the branches are five names - Amzie, Daisy, Poppy, Bumble and what looks to be Milo - referring to his nearest and dearest step-children and his beloved dogs, Bumble and Milo.
Seemingly omitted from the tat is his chocolate Lab Hurley, whom he adopted with ex-wife Lisa in 2011. The couple adored their pooch and both fought to keep him until the very end. In January 2018, Ant was arrested after drunkenly crashing his car in Richmond, following reports they'd had a blazing row of the custody arrangements for Hurley.
Ant McPartlin’s ex Lisa Armstrong poses with boyfriend after concerning post
Lisa told a friend she had spoken to Ant over whose turn it was to look after the Labrador. The pal said at the time: "Lisa was at home with her dad when Ant rang. The conversation quickly got heated – it was to do with who should have Hurley next, as they are meant to be sharing custody. It quickly descended into angry words and swearing between them," they added.
Lisa's father Derek was forced to intervene, the friend claimed. They said: "At one point, Lisa's dad took the phone out of Lisa's hand and firmly told Ant, 'Don't you dare speak to my daughter like that'."
But one of Ant's pals claimed at the time: "Lisa is no angel in this. She would have been giving it back, and then some. There have been so many arguments over Hurley. It's been rooted in the fact Lisa refused to believe the marriage was over."
As part of their divorce settlement in 2020, it was claimed Lisa would own the couple's marital £5m home in London, while they would split custody of Hurley. At the time, it was alleged that Ant told lawyers: "She can have anything she wants - except the dog." And so, they shared Hurley between them.
It was claimed Lisa demanded full custody of Hurley last year after Ant got two maltipoos (Twitter)
Ant revealed his never-before-seen tattoo of a family tree which doesn't include Hurley (INSTAGRAM)Ant's chauffeur was said to have driven the pooch between their houses so they didn't have to see each other for years. But in 2023, after Ant got two maltipoos - Bumble and Milo - with wife Anne-Marie, Lisa reportedly demanded full custody of Hurley.
A source told the Daily Mail: "Lisa has asked to have Hurley but Ant is saying no. He has two more dogs now, a new wife and two stepdaughters, but still he wants joint custody. It has led to some difficult conversations between Ant and Lisa. It's all very sad. Ant has been able to move on, get remarried and get two more dogs. Lisa has been left to pick up the pieces."
Lisa often posts about Hurley on her social media and praises him for being her 'best friend'. Just earlier this week, she posted a heartfelt quote on her story with an adorable sketch of a dog's paw in its owner's hands that read: "Thank you for being my dog, someone to do life with, and above all, thank you for being my best friend."