It’s not their first Christmas apart, but for Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong this one stood out for notably similar reasons.

The former couple ended their 12-year marriage in 2016, with beloved pet Labrador Hurley assuming a role as their one significant point contact following the split by dividing its time between their respective homes.

While both have remained quiet across social media over the festive period, Ant, 49, enjoyed his first Christmas as a father after welcoming son Wilder with second wife Anne-Marie in May.

The presenter is thought to have spent the day at home in London after returning from Australia in mid-December following his annual hosting role on ITV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Ant has also joined forces with long-term presenting partner Declan Donnelly for online show Taste Mates, in which they explored different festive recipes with a revolving cast of celebrity friends.

His last public appearance with Anne-Marie and seven-month old Hurley came on December 13 during a stroll on Wimbledon Common.

It's not their first Christmas apart, but for former couple Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong this one stood out for notably similar reasons
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It’s not their first Christmas apart, but for former couple Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong this one stood out for notably similar reasons

Ant enjoyed his first Christmas as a father after welcoming son Wilder with second wife Anne-Marie in May.
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Ant enjoyed his first Christmas as a father after welcoming son Wilder with second wife Anne-Marie in May.

Despite hosting I’m A Celeb since it launched in 2002, sources claimed he struggled this year because it took him away from his family.

An insider told OK! Magazine: ‘Ant is feeling really emotional about being so far away from Anne-Marie and Wilder. It’s the longest he has left them for and it’s going to be so difficult.

They added: ‘Anne-Marie and Ant are going to stay in constant communication and FaceTime lots, but he is worried about the time difference. When he wakes up, Anne Marie will have put Wilder to bed, so, it’s tough to navigate.

‘Ant has made sure Anne Marie has a strong support system back home and he knows Wilder will be safe with his mum, he will just be missing them a lot.’

Meanwhile ex-wife Lisa isn’t focusing on the past after introducing social media followers to her newborn nephew.

She posted a series of pictures of the child in a sweet elephant baby-grow as she congratulated his parents and shared that he had been born on Boxing Day.

Captioning the post, she wrote: ‘Introducing baby Bowers. Congratulations @morgan.brookex and @bowerz17 He’s just perfect!

‘Jude John-Noel born 26/12/24 5lb 5oz. Great Aunty Cise can’t wait to meet you baby boy.’

Lisa shares joint custody of pet dog Hurley with Ant but reports say she wants sole possession of him – something he is said to have resisted.

Meanwhile ex-wife Lisa isn't focusing on the past after introducing social media followers to her newborn nephew
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Meanwhile ex-wife Lisa isn’t focusing on the past after introducing social media followers to her newborn nephew

She posted a series of pictures of the child in a sweet elephant baby-grow as she congratulated his parents and shared that he had been born on Boxing Day
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She posted a series of pictures of the child in a sweet elephant baby-grow as she congratulated his parents and shared that he had been born on Boxing Day

Ant McPartlin moved to tears by Barry discussing daughter’s deat

Ant's last public appearance wit (pictured)
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Ant’s last public appearance with Anne-Marie and seven-month old Hurley came on December 13 during a stroll in Wimbledon (pictured

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Lisa appeared to take a veiled swipe at her former husband by sharing a cryptic post with followers
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Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Lisa appeared to take a veiled swipe at her former husband by sharing a cryptic post with followers

But she has reportedly vowed to fight on for sole custody of the chocolate Labrador, who regularly features in her Instagram posts, where she refers to him as ‘Mama’s baby boy’.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Lisa appeared to take a veiled swipe at her former husband by sharing a cryptic post with followers.

It read: ‘Cheers to the people who love us, the losers who lost us, and the lucky b**tards who get to meet us.’

She then posted an inspirational quote, which made reference to the struggles she’s faced this year.

‘You spent 2024 in survival mode. 2025 is your time to rise, rebuild, and thrive,’ it read.

Despite hosting I'm A Celeb since it launched in 2002, sources claimed Ant struggled this year because it took him away from his family
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Despite hosting I’m A Celeb since it launched in 2002, sources claimed Ant struggled this year because it took him away from his family

The presenter is thought to have spent Christmas Day at home in London after returning from Australia (pictured with his family at Heathrow Airport after landing on December 11)
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The presenter is thought to have spent Christmas Day at home in London after returning from Australia (pictured with his family at Heathrow Airport after landing on December 11)

Ant and Lisa's beloved pet Labrador Hurley is their one significant point contact, with the dog dividing its time between their respective homes
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Ant and Lisa’s beloved pet Labrador Hurley is their one significant point contact, with the dog dividing its time between their respective homes