Ant McPartlin is said to be deeply heartbroken following the death of his beloved dog Hurley — the pet who became a powerful emotional anchor during some of the darkest moments of his life.
The TV presenter, 50, reportedly made an urgent last-minute dash from the launch of Britain’s Got Talent this week after learning that Hurley’s condition had suddenly worsened.
Hurley, whom Ant shared with his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong, passed away after the former couple made the devastating decision to have him put to sleep when vets confirmed the 12-year-old dog was too ill to recover.
A final goodbye after years of tension
Sources say Ant was “very upset” by Hurley’s passing. Despite their strained relationship following their 2018 split, Ant and Lisa were both able to be with Hurley at the vet in his final moments.
The loss is particularly poignant given the bitter custody dispute that once surrounded the dog. Following their separation, Ant and Lisa famously clashed over who would keep Hurley, eventually agreeing to a joint-custody arrangement. The situation was reportedly so tense that Ant’s chauffeur ferried the dog between them to avoid face-to-face contact.
At the height of the divorce negotiations, Ant was said to have told lawyers: “She can have anything she wants — except the dog.”
More than a pet
Hurley was not just a dog to Ant. The Saturday Night Takeaway star previously credited him with helping him through his battle with alcohol and drug addiction.
Speaking in a 2019 interview following rehab, Ant described their bond as indescribable.
“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 he’s always pleased to see me.”
He even joked about Hurley’s fame after strangers recognised the dog from newspaper coverage, recalling one moment when a woman was found cuddling him on the floor of a shop.
Lisa’s quiet tribute
Following Hurley’s death, Lisa shared a subtle but emotional Instagram post showing a girl releasing hearts into the sky — widely interpreted as a tribute to her “baby boy,” as she often referred to the dog.
Her last public photo with Hurley was shared in August last year on International Dog Day, showing him resting peacefully on her bed.
A shared past, separate futures
Ant and Lisa adopted Hurley in 2013 during their 13-year relationship, after struggling to have children together. Their marriage ended in 2018, and Ant later went on to marry his former personal assistant Anne-Marie Corbett in 2021.
Ant became a father for the first time in May 2024, welcoming son Wilder with Anne-Marie. The couple also share two Maltipoos, Milo and Bumble.
Meanwhile, it was reported last week that Lisa has recently split from her actor boyfriend Grant Kilburn, just weeks after friends claimed she was “happier than ever.” According to sources, the relationship ended quietly last month.
Another emotional chapter closes
Friends previously said Lisa had found renewed confidence and happiness in recent years, focusing on her career and personal growth after years of feeling like she “played second fiddle” in relationships.
Now, with Hurley gone — the dog who once symbolised connection, comfort and unresolved emotion — both Ant and Lisa are said to be quietly grieving a loss that cuts deeper than headlines suggest.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong for comment.
