TV star Ant, who is said to be “distraught”, once said: “There’s a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can’t describe.”
21:39, 14 Feb 2026Updated 00:36, 15 Feb 2026
Ant McPartlin is said to be “distraught” tonight(Image: Getty Images,)
Hurley, the beloved dog shared between Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong has died, it was reported last night. The chocolate labrador was a major part of both of their lives and they shared custody of him after they split.
The Sun revealed that the presenter, 50, is “distraught” and rushed from the launch of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, which he presents with Declan Donnelly, to be with Hurley. The 12-year-old pet is thought to have been too unwell to make a recovery.
Tonight Lisa, who regularly posts shots of Hurley on her Instagram page, shared an image showing a child releasing hearts into the sky. The Mirror has contacted a representative for Ant.
Ant McPartlin’s dog Hurley seen being taken for a walk in Chiswick in 2018(Image: SWNS.com)
I’m A Celeb host Ant once told The Sun: “There’s a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can’t describe. And he never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.” He also explained that a woman stopped them after noticing Hurley from his picture in the newspapers and joked that he was famous.
Indeed, he did have a minor showbiz career – first from his involvement in the break-up of his famous ‘parents’ and later during an appearance on Steph’s Packed Lunch after being taken on to the show by Lisa for a segment about drinks for dogs.
Ant insisted in the wake of the divorce in 2018 after 23 years together – 11 of them married – that they would split their time with the pet evenly and always make decisions that were in Hurley’s best interests.
Ant and Lisa Armstrong with Hurley before their break-up(Image: mirror.co.uk)
The TV star even named one of his companies after his pet – he and Dec are both directors of Hurley Promotions Ltd. They also have a company named after Dec’s dog, called Rocky Promotions Ltd.
Ant and Strictly make-up artist Lisa, who did not have children together, adopted the dog in 2013. Ant became a father for the first time in 2024, when he welcomed his first child, Wilder, with second wife Anne-Marie Corbett.
In 2024, Ant posted photos of his pet dogs for International Dog Day. They included Hurley, who was pictured laying down with a watch on his wrist. He wrote: “Dog dump (not that kind… get your mind out the gutter!)” Also pictured were Milo and Bumble, Ant and second wife Anne-Marie’s Maltese and poodle crosses.
Hurley during a 2021 appearance on Steph’s Packed Lunch(Image: Channel 4)