Ant McPartlin's Emotional Exit from Britain's Got Talent Launch
On February 15, 2026, television presenter Ant McPartlin, aged 50, was compelled to leave the Britain's Got Talent launch event abruptly after his beloved chocolate Labrador, Hurley, was taken to the veterinarian. The event, held at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, London, saw Ant appearing on stage with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI before he made a swift departure, described as very upset by sources.
Heartbreaking Decision to Euthanize Hurley
According to reports from The Sun, Ant and his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong, faced the devastating decision to euthanize the 12-year-old Labrador after veterinarians determined the dog was too ill to recover. The couple, who had adopted Hurley in 2013, were able to say their final goodbyes and remained with him during the procedure. Hurley had played a significant role in Ant's life, credited with aiding his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and was a central figure in their divorce, leading to a custody battle in 2018 where they shared custody evenly.
Tributes and Memories of a Celebrity Dog
While neither Ant nor Lisa has publicly shared a tribute yet, Lisa, the head makeup artist for Strictly Come Dancing, posted an animation on Instagram depicting a woman with hearts rising to the sky. A source close to the situation expressed, He was such a beautiful dog. His love for Ant and Lisa was unconditional and vice versa. Hurley had become a minor celebrity among fans, known for his cheeky personality, such as when Lisa shared a video of him refusing to walk past a pub because he wanted treats.
Hurley's Impact on Ant's Personal Life
Ant often spoke about his deep bond with Hurley, stating in past interviews, There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe. The dog even visited Ant in rehab following a drink-driving conviction, providing emotional support. Since then, Ant has remarried Anne-Marie Corbett, with whom he shares two Maltese Poodle crosses named Milo and Bumble, and they welcomed a son, Wilder, in 2024.
Reactions and Ongoing Coverage
Metro has reached out to Ant's team for comment on the situation. The Britain's Got Talent launch, a key event in the entertainment calendar, proceeded without Ant, highlighting the personal challenges celebrities face amidst public appearances. This incident underscores the profound connections between pets and their owners, particularly in high-profile lives.
