Ant McPartlin has opened up about the profound grief he experienced following the death of his chocolate Labrador, Hurley.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the presenter shared that he "cried a lot" during the dog's final days and described the heartbreaking moment he reunited with his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, to say a joint goodbye.
The former couple, who divorced in 2018, had shared custody of the dog for several years, with Hurley splitting his time between their respective homes.
Despite the tension that followed their high-profile split, Ant McPartlin explained that their mutual love for Hurley brought them together one last time.
He noted that seeing Lisa Armstrong again was difficult, but necessary for the well-being of their pet.
The 16-year-old Labrador passed away peacefully earlier this year, leaving a significant void in both of their lives.
Ant McPartlin credited the dog for helping him through some of his darkest personal moments over the last decade.
Hurley became a familiar face to fans as he often appeared on Ant McPartlin’s social media and was frequently spotted during walks in West London.
The custody arrangement was a major point of discussion during the couple's divorce proceedings, highlighting the deep emotional attachment both stars had to the animal.
Ant McPartlin remarked that while the meeting with Lisa was brief, it allowed them both to find some closure regarding their shared history through their pet.
Ant McPartlin is currently focusing on his family life with his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, and their young son, Wilder.
He admitted that while he has other dogs now, Hurley held a unique place in his heart as his first real companion through adulthood.
Lisa Armstrong also shared her own tribute to Hurley on social media, describing him as her "best friend" and "loyal protector."
Fans have sent thousands of messages of support to both stars, acknowledging the pain of losing a long-term animal companion.