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Ant McPartlin confirms split from wife Lisa Armstrong

It has been confirmed that Ant McPartlin is ending his 11-year marriage to estranged wife Lisa Armstrong, with the pair’s relationship under scrutiny ever since Ant checked into rehab for painkiller addiction last summer.

It was previously reported that Ant planned to make an official statement about his marriage in the new year, and now his rep has confirmed speculation in a statement.

It’s all over for Ant and Lisa. Copyright: [Rex]
It’s all over for Ant and Lisa. Copyright: [Rex]

The spokesperson said: “In response to the recent speculation in the media, Ant is very sad to announce that, after 11 years, he is ending his marriage to Lisa McPartlin.

“Ant asks for privacy at this difficult time, for both himself, Lisa and their immediate families. No further statement will be made.”

A source close to Ant added to The Sun: “This was a tough decision for Ant but he has to do the right thing for his health.

“The marriage has effectively been struggling for eight months. He’s given it a good go.

The pair tied the knot in 2006. Copyright: [Rex]
The pair tied the knot in 2006. Copyright: [Rex]

“They’ve met up and spoken about it a number of times and this is the decision he has made.”

However, the insider added that the Geordie TV presenter hopes to make things “as easy as possible” for Lisa, adding that he will “look after her in the settlement”.

Ant is said to be keen to maintain an “amicable” relationship with the Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist, who was previously accused of not “standing by” her husband by angry fans.

When Lisa was accused of “throwing [her] marriage away” last year by a Twitter troll, Lisa replied: “Educate yourself first, love, and get your facts rights. You don’t know!”

Ant with Lisa in 1998. Copyright: [Rex]
Ant with Lisa in 1998. Copyright: [Rex]

Ant previously praised his wife, confessing that he put her “through hell” with his rehab stint and addiction to prescription painkillers.

He first met Lisa in 1994 when she was in the band Deuce, just five years after he and his co-star Declan Donnelly first found fame in CBBC drama Byker Grove.

The pair tied the knot in 2006.

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