Ant McPartlin Leaves UK for a Break After Losing Beloved Dog

Ant McPartlin has reportedly left the country to cope with the sorrow of losing his cherished dog, Hurley.

The 50-year-old television host reportedly hurriedly departed the launch of Britain’s Got Talent to be with Hurley, who sadly passed away this week.

Ant, who once shared Hurley with his former wife Lisa Armstrong, was embroiled in a contentious custody dispute over the dog following their 2018 separation.

According to The Sun, he felt compelled to leave his home as being surrounded by Hurley’s belongings was too heart-wrenching.

A source revealed to the publication, “He’s deeply heartbroken. Hurley meant the world to him, and the loss has been a tremendous shock for everyone involved.”

‘Hurley has been a part of his life for 12 years, so to lose him like this is crushing. He said he couldn’t be around Hurley’s things as he grieved.’

Ant McPartlin has reportedly jetted out of the country as he struggles to deal with the grief from the loss of his beloved dog Hurley 

The TV presenter, 50, reportedly made a last-minute dash from the Britain’s Got Talent launch to be with his beloved dog Hurley, as the pooch passed away this week 

A representative for Ant has been contacted by Daily Mail.

Ant previously credited Hurley with helping him to overcome his battle with drink and drug addiction.

It’s thought that Ant rushed to join ex Lisa at the vet hours after attending the BGT press conference in London.

The pair then made the heartbreaking decision to have Hurley put to sleep, after learning their 12-year-old dog was too ill to recover.

The Sun On Sunday reported that Ant and Lisa were both able to see Hurley beforehand, and the presenter was with the dog as he peacefully passed away.

It’s thought that the pair were being comforted by relatives, with Lisa posting a snap on Instagram on Saturday that showed a girl releasing hearts into the sky.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both for comment.

Ant previously spoke about his bond with Hurley during an interview with The Sun On Sunday in 2019, following his stint in rehab.

He said: ‘There’s a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can’t describe. He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.

Ant had previously shared the pet with his ex wife Lisa Armstrong, with the pair entering a bitter custody battle over him following their split in 2018

‘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.’

The Saturday Night Takeaway star split from Lisa in 2018 after 11 years of marriage and went on to marry his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie, in 2021.

It comes after Lisa shared a cryptic Valentine’s Day post this weekend following her ‘split’ from her boyfriend.

The Strictly make-up artist, 49, reportedly parted ways with Grant Kilburn, 34, recently just weeks after friends claimed she was ‘happier than ever’ in her new relationship.

Of their split, a source told The Mirror: ‘It’s very sad but it wasn’t to be.’ Daily Mail has contacted Lisa’s representatives for comment. 

And on Saturday, which was Valentine’s Day, she shared a quote to her Instagram Story which read: ‘Roses are flowers, pebbles are stones. Here’s a big shout out to those on their own.

‘Count yourself lucky and try not to sob. Look on the bright side, you’re not with a ***!’

Just weeks ago, insiders said Lisa had found a renewed sense of happiness and energy following her marriage breakdown to Ant in 2018. 

A source told the publication at the time: ‘She’s been so used to being in relationships where she played second fiddle.

Lisa was previously married to TV presenter Ant, 50, for 11 years (both pictured on their wedding day in 2006)

Their romance was revealed by the Daily Mail back in December. Grant and Lisa are thought to have quickly hit it off after being introduced by Stacey and Kevin Clifton following one of their performances.

Stacey and Kevin, who share a two-year-old daughter, are currently starring in the stage production 2:22 A Ghost Story, which has been touring the UK since August 2025, and features Grant as a fellow cast member. 

Sources revealed that after the show, the couple introduced Lisa to Grant, who is 15 years Lisa’s junior. 

A source told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘Lisa and Grant have really hit it off – and it’s put the smile back on her face.’