Lisa Armstrong’s Reaction to Ant McPartlin’s Fatherhood and Post-Divorce Dynamics

The announcement of Ant McPartlin becoming a father for the first time with his wife Anne-Marie Corbett in May 2024 has sent ripples through the entertainment world, prompting a public response from his ex-wife, Lisa Armstrong. The Strictly Come Dancing makeup artist, who was married to Ant for 11 years before their 2018 divorce, has shared her feelings on social media, shedding light on the complex dynamics between herself, Ant, and Anne-Marie. This development, coupled with the enduring friendship between Ant and his presenting partner Declan Donnelly, has sparked widespread discussion on X, with fans reflecting on the emotional aftermath of the divorce and the trio’s current relationship. 🎭💔

A Painful Milestone

Ant McPartlin, 49, welcomed his son, Wilder Patrick McPartlin, with Anne-Marie Corbett in May 2024, a moment he described on X as, “Baby is beautiful, Mummy’s a legend, Sisters are over the moon. Dad’s a mess.” The joyful announcement marked a significant milestone for Ant, who had previously expressed his desire to start a family during his marriage to Lisa. However, the news was reportedly difficult for Lisa, 48, who had supported Ant through his struggles with addiction and hoped for children during their 23-year relationship. According to a close friend cited by the Daily Record, Lisa was “heartbroken” upon learning of Ant’s fatherhood, especially since she learned about it through media reports rather than directly from Ant. “It broke poor Lisa,” the source said. “She gave him 23 years of her life, practically all of her adult life.”

Lisa’s reaction came in the form of a cryptic Instagram post shortly after the announcement, where she shared a quote: “Once the heart gets too heavy with pain, people don’t cry. They just turn silent. Completely silent.” This post, interpreted by fans as a reflection of her emotional state, sparked a wave of support on X, with users posting messages like, “Lisa deserves so much better. Sending her love during this tough time. 💔” Another user wrote, “Ant becoming a dad must be so hard for Lisa after everything they went through. She’s so strong.”

The Divorce and Its Aftermath

Ant and Lisa’s marriage, which began in 2006 after meeting in 1994, ended in 2018 amid Ant’s battles with addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol following a knee surgery in 2015. Lisa stood by him during his rehab stints, but their relationship deteriorated, with Ant admitting, “I’ve put Lisa through hell with mood swings and depression and how it affects you.” The divorce was finalized in October 2018, with Lisa citing Ant’s “intolerable” behavior and his adultery with Anne-Marie Corbett, their former personal assistant, as grounds. Reports of a £31 million settlement surfaced, which Lisa publicly denied on Twitter, calling the claims “nonsense.”

The divorce was acrimonious, marked by public spats and a custody battle over their chocolate Labrador, Hurley. Lisa has expressed her desire for sole custody, reportedly intensified after Ant’s son was born, as she refers to Hurley as “Mama’s baby boy” on Instagram. Ant, however, has resisted, reportedly stating, “She can have anything she wants – except the dog.” This ongoing tension highlights the strained relationship between Lisa and Ant, with communication largely handled through lawyers since their split.

The Relationship Between the Three Adults

The dynamics between Lisa, Ant, and Anne-Marie remain complex. Anne-Marie, who began dating Ant in 2018 and married him in 2021, was once a friend of Lisa’s, leading to accusations of “breaking girl code” when their relationship became public. Lisa’s hurt was compounded by learning about their romance through media reports, a sentiment she echoed when Ant announced his engagement to Anne-Marie in 2021. A source close to Lisa told the Daily Mail that she felt betrayed, especially since Anne-Marie had worked as their personal assistant.

Since the divorce, Lisa has maintained a professional distance from Ant, notably being dropped from Britain’s Got More Talent in 2018 to avoid awkward encounters. However, a rare gesture of support came in April 2024 when Lisa liked a post praising Ant and Dec’s final Saturday Night Takeaway episode, suggesting a possible softening of tensions. Despite this, her recent social media activity indicates lingering pain, particularly with posts referencing “loser” exes and “toxic” media coverage. In December 2024, she lashed out at tabloids, writing, “Only people that can’t move on is you, it’s been 7 years!!!… LEAVE ME ALONE!!!”

Anne-Marie, now a mother to Wilder and stepmother to her two daughters from a previous marriage, has kept a low profile, focusing on her family with Ant. There’s no public record of direct communication between Lisa and Anne-Marie since the divorce, and sources suggest their relationship remains nonexistent. Ant, meanwhile, has leaned heavily on Declan Donnelly, who has been a constant presence, described as a “blood relative” during Ant’s sleepless nights with Wilder.

Fan and Public Reactions

The public response on X has been polarized but largely sympathetic to Lisa. Hashtags like #TeamLisa and #AntAndDecBaby have trended, with fans praising her resilience. One user posted, “Lisa’s been through so much, yet she’s still shining on Strictly. Ant should’ve shown her more respect.” Others celebrated Ant’s joy, with one writing, “Ant deserves this happiness, but I feel for Lisa. Divorce is tough.” The discourse reflects the public’s investment in Ant and Dec’s lives, amplified by their 30-year friendship, which fans see as a stabilizing force for Ant during his transition to fatherhood.

Media outlets like The Mirror and Daily Mail have covered Lisa’s struggles, noting her attempts to move forward, including a reported plan to relocate to Hollywood with friend Craig Young. Her property investments, including a £700,000 Oxford home and a renovated £3.8 million London house, signal her focus on building a new life. However, the fire that damaged her former marital home in 2023 and its subsequent failure to sell for £4 million have added to her challenges.

Moving Forward

Lisa’s reaction to Ant’s fatherhood underscores the emotional complexity of their post-divorce relationship. While she has not directly addressed Ant and Anne-Marie’s son, her cryptic posts suggest unresolved pain, tempered by a desire to move on. Her professional success as a Strictly makeup artist and her close-knit family, including celebrating her great-nephew’s birth in December 2024, provide sources of strength. Meanwhile, Ant’s bond with Dec continues to anchor him, with fans praising Dec’s role as a “brother” during this new chapter.

As Lisa navigates her healing journey, possibly with a move to the US, and Ant embraces fatherhood, the trio’s story remains a poignant reminder of love, loss, and resilience. Fans on X continue to rally around Lisa, with one writing, “She’s a queen who deserves happiness. Keep shining, Lisa.” The dynamics between Lisa, Ant, and Anne-Marie may never fully mend, but Lisa’s strength and Ant’s joy highlight the human capacity to find light after heartbreak. 🎭💔