Lisa Armstrongs Heartfelt Tribute to Late Dog Hurley

’s ex-wife has posted a poignant poem in memory of their late dog Hurley. 

The presenter, 50, had previously shared the pet with his ex-wife Lisa, 49, with the pair entering a bitter custody battle over him following their split in 2018.

Sources revealed that Ant is 'very upset' by Hurley's passing after he and ex Lisa agreed joint custody of him.

Ant previously credited Hurley with helping him to overcome his battle with drink and drug addiction.

It's thought that Ant rushed to join ex Lisa at the vet hours after attending the press conference in London.

The pair then made the heartbreaking decision to have Hurley put to sleep, after learning their 12-year-old dog was too ill to recover.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, the Strictly make up artist posted the poem Rainbow Bridge in tribute to Hurley.

The poem said: 'A part of our family, you were never just a pet, I still remember those puppy eyes the first moment that we met. 

'You bounced around so freely and scurried around our feet, the excitement that you’d show us, when we fetched you out a treat.

'You left paw prints on our hearts from the moment we brought you home, so many wonderful adventures, all the places where we roamed.

'Always happy to see us, a wagging tail at the door, we’ll miss all of your tricks and the way you gave your paw.

'You understood every word we said, loved us unconditionally, always at your happiest out exploring running free.

'The rainbow bridge came to call you, our time came to an end, you were never just a dog but always our best friend.

'The love we shared for you, something we will always cherish and remember, our dog, our friend, our chosen family member.'

She also shared a snap of him by the fireplace with the caption: 'Forever our boy.'

The Sun On Sunday reported that Ant and Lisa were both able to see Hurley beforehand, and the presenter was with the dog as he peacefully passed away.

It's thought that the pair were being comforted by relatives, with Lisa posting a snap on Instagram on Saturday that showed a girl releasing hearts into the sky.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong for comment.

Ant previously spoke about his bond with Hurley during an interview with The Sun On Sunday in 2019, following his stint in rehab.

He said: 'There's a loyalty and a love and a companionship with Hurley that you can't describe. He never tells me off and is always pleased to see me.

'I came out of a shop the other day and there was a woman on the floor cuddling Hurley.

'She said to me, "It's the dog from the papers!" Hurley's a celebrity.'

The Saturday Night Takeaway star split from Lisa in 2018 after 11 years of marriage and went on to marry his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie, in 2021.

Ant is said to have refused to surrender full custody of Hurley to his ex during their divorce battle, reportedly telling lawyers: 'She can have anything she wants – except the dog.'

The arrangement led to the TV presenter's chauffeur ferrying the dog between the two of them so they did not have to see each other.

The pair adopted the dog in 2013 after struggling to have children together during their 13-year marriage.

Lisa had regularly shared snaps of Hurley on Instagram, calling the beloved dog her 'baby boy'.