Ant McPartlin has been seen in public for the first time since announcing his divorce from wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong.
The 42-year-old TV presenter’s heartbreaking split was confirmed in a statement to MailOnline on Saturday, with his spokesman saying Ant was ‘very sad’ at the decision.
Ant looked thoughtful as he stepped out to walk his chocolate labrador Hurley on Sunday, clad in a navy blue tracksuit, matching trainers and a white and blue Newcastle United woollen hat.
Split: Ant McPartlin has been seen in public for the first time since announcing his divorce from wife of 11 years, Lisa Armstrong (pictured with mum Christine and dog Hurley)
Bundling up against the cold temperatures, the Saturday Night Takeaway presenter wrapped his arms around himself and slipped on navy gloves.
Looking fresh-faced the star sported a light smattering of stubble as he stepped out in the bracing temperatures of the capital.
Showing her support for her son during the difficult period, Ant’s mum Christine brought along her pooch, and chatted to her son as they walked along.
Ant’s spokesman confirmed to MailOnline on Saturday: ‘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.’
Announcement: The 42-year-old TV presenter’s heartbreaking split was confirmed in a statement to MailOnline on Saturday, with his spokesman saying Ant was ‘very sad’ at the decision
Stepping out: Ant looked thoughtful as he stepped out to walk his chocolate labrador Hurley on Sunday, clad in a navy blue tracksuit, matching trainers and a white and blue Newcastle United woolen hat
A source close to Ant added to The Sun On Sunday: ‘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.
They added: ‘Ant’s big concern in the whole thing is Lisa and making it as easy as possible for her.’
Ant and Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist Lisa have known each other for 23 years and tied the knot in 2006.
Ant has been living apart from partner Lisa, having moved out of the £6million property they share last year following his stint in rehab for an addiction to painkillers.
Wrapping up: Bundling up against the cold temperatures, the Saturday Night Takeaway presenter wrapped his arms around himself and slipped on navy gloves
He had spent the last two months filming in Australia for ITV reality show I’m A Celebrity, but Lisa was unable to join him overseas, due to her commitments to BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
At the time, Lisa dismissed claims that this made her ‘estranged’ from husband Ant, explaining that she had not been out to Australia with him for 10 years.
Back in November, she denied the pair had separated with the defiant Tweet: ‘I’m not estranged, thank you’.
A source told the Sunday Mirror that Lisa reportedly felt more ‘independent, happier and stronger’ while Ant was in Oz.
The insider said: ‘Ant has had a dreadful year, but Lisa has been through hell too. The intense pressure of the situation has left her emotionally drained and was really taking its toll.
Family time: Showing her support for her son during the difficult period, Ant’s mum Christine brought along her pooch, and chatted to her son as they walked along
‘Back in October she was terribly stressed and worried and seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.’
It was continued: ‘It was clear those close to her she was heartbroken. But it’s been so much happier since they’ve been living apart – especially when he flew to Australia to film I’m A Celebrity.’
Ant suffered a difficult 2017, after admitting in June he had been battling a two-year addiction to painkillers after a devastating knee injury and fertility issues.
He revealed his plans to check in to rehab for alcohol and drug addiction, when he gave a candid interview admitting he had ‘let people down’, before thanking his wife Lisa and co-star Declan for the support they had provided.
The I’m A Celebrity… host said that things started to spiral out of control two years ago when he had an operation to fix cartilage in his right knee.
Bad times: Ant suffered a difficult 2017, after admitting in June he had been battling a two-year addiction to painkillers after a devastating knee injury and fertility issues
Low-key: Ant and his mum paid a visit to a local park, enjoying a brisk Sunday walk
In a bid to numb the pain, Ant began taking the prescription drug Tramadol and soon realised that he’d become hooked on the painkiller, which can cause speech disturbances, lack of co-ordination, headaches and drowsiness.
Speaking previously, the Saturday Night Takeaway star said: ‘I’ve put Lisa through hell with mood swings and depression and how it affects you.
‘I’m very sorry about the effect it has on partners. This kind of stuff puts strains on any marriage.’
Lisa said she was overwhelmed with support in a touching Twitter message shortly after Ant checked into rehab.
Ant’s spokesman confirmed to MailOnline on Saturday: ‘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’
She wrote: ‘Completely overwhelmed by all your love & support it means so much. I’m relieved he’s receiving the help he needs, we just need him better.’
Ant had initially hidden his addictions from Lisa and his best friend and presenting partner Declan Donnelly.
Ant and Lisa had met at a pop concert at Newcastle City Hall in 1994, when she was performing with Deuce and he was performing with Declan in their band PJ & Duncan.
After dating for more than a decade, Ant proposed to her during a romantic sun-drenched holiday in Dubai on April 26, 2005.
They tied the knot at Cliveden House on July 22, 2006 in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The couple never had children, but in an interview in 2017, Ant said they would ‘love’ to have kids.
He said: ‘Lisa works in the industry and understands it. She’s constantly working – sometimes more than me!’
‘We would love to have a family so fingers crossed. ‘If we’re blessed with children, then we’d be over the moon!’
Marriage: The pair tied the knot at Cliveden House on July 22, 2006 in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The couple never had children, but in an interview in 2017, Ant said they would ‘love’ to have kids