Losing a beloved pet is never easy, and for TV star Ant McPartlin, the death of his cherished dog Hurley has left him utterly heartbroken. But here's where it gets even more poignant: Hurley wasn't just any dog—he was a symbol of love and companionship that Ant shared with his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, even after their split. The chocolate Labrador, who was 12 years old, had been a constant presence in both of their lives, with the former couple sharing custody of him post-divorce.
According to reports, Ant, 50, is 'distraught' over Hurley's passing. The news broke as he was attending the launch of Britain's Got Talent, the show he co-hosts with Declan Donnelly. He reportedly rushed to be with Hurley, who had been too unwell to recover. Lisa, who often shared photos of Hurley on her Instagram, posted a poignant image of a child releasing hearts into the sky, a silent tribute to their shared loss.
And this is the part most people miss: Ant once described his bond with Hurley in a way that tugs at the heartstrings. He 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.' Hurley even had a brush with fame, recognized by a fan who joked about his celebrity status after spotting him in the newspapers.
Hurley wasn't just a family pet—he was practically a member of showbiz himself. He gained minor fame during Ant and Lisa's high-profile split and later appeared on Steph's Packed Lunch with Lisa for a segment about dog-friendly drinks. But here's where it gets controversial: While some might see pets as pawns in celebrity divorces, Ant and Lisa insisted they always prioritized Hurley's well-being, even splitting their time with him evenly after their 2018 divorce.
Ant's love for Hurley went beyond custody arrangements. He named one of his companies, Hurley Promotions Ltd., after the dog—a testament to their unbreakable bond. Interestingly, Dec followed suit, naming his company Rocky Promotions Ltd. after his own dog.
Ant and Lisa, who were together for 23 years (11 of them married) and did not have children, adopted Hurley in 2013. Ant later became a father in 2024, welcoming his first child, Wilder, with his second wife, Anne-Marie Corbett. Despite new additions to his family, Hurley remained a cherished part of Ant's life. In 2024, Ant celebrated International Dog Day by sharing photos of his pets, including Hurley, who was adorably pictured with a watch on his wrist. He captioned the post, 'Dog dump (not that kind… get your mind out the gutter!)' alongside photos of his other dogs, Milo and Bumble.
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: In high-profile splits, should pets be treated more like family members or possessions? Ant and Lisa’s approach to co-parenting Hurley sets a unique precedent, but it’s not without its critics. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
This heartbreaking loss reminds us all of the profound impact pets have on our lives—and the void they leave behind when they’re gone. Rest in peace, Hurley. You were more than just a dog; you were a symbol of enduring love and loyalty.
