Lisa Armstrong’s Difficult New Chapter Amidst Ex’s Public Happiness
The recent public appearances of television presenter Ant McPartlin alongside his wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, have reportedly intensified the emotional struggles of his former spouse, Lisa Armstrong. Friends close to Armstrong reveal a sense of betrayal and a challenging adjustment to her life following the pair’s highly publicized relationship and subsequent marriage.
A Striking Transformation and Public Scrutiny
Anne-Marie Corbett’s personal evolution has been a subject of considerable discussion. Once known as a ‘normal’ parent at her daughters’ primary school, her association with McPartlin, one half of the renowned presenting duo Ant & Dec, coincided with a noticeable ‘glow up.’ Reports indicate a shift in her appearance, including lighter hair, a trimmer physique, and an upgraded wardrobe, which sources describe as ‘staggering and very quick.’ This transformation was reportedly met with amusement among other parents and school staff.
Her recent appearance at the SoccerAid afterparty, dressed in a striking black Rabanne dress and sporting a new sleek bob haircut and designer shoes, further highlighted this change. Now married to McPartlin, Corbett, who previously served as his personal assistant, appeared comfortable in the spotlight with her celebrity friends, while McPartlin was observed to be attentive towards her.
Lingering Hurt and Feelings of Betrayal
For Lisa Armstrong, this public display of happiness from her ex-husband and his new wife is said to be particularly painful. Having supported McPartlin through his previous struggles with addiction, the end of their marriage in 2018 and the subsequent divorce have been described as deeply difficult. While reports suggested Armstrong received half of McPartlin’s reported £60 million fortune, she has reportedly disputed these figures. She did, however, retain their former £4 million home in Chiswick, West London.
The fact that McPartlin began a relationship with Anne-Marie Corbett, who had been his personal assistant, is understood to have compounded Armstrong’s hurt. Their subsequent marriage, a lavish affair attended by numerous celebrities, and the birth of their son, Wilder, two years ago, have been particularly challenging for Armstrong to witness publicly. Friends state that Armstrong had previously been kind to Corbett, even purchasing gifts for her daughters, making the subsequent turn of events feel like a profound betrayal.
“Every time something happens, or they are seen out, it grabs headlines. Lisa reads things, she sees it. It’s hard for her,” a friend of Armstrong’s shared. “While I’m sure it isn’t their mindset, it does feel like it’s rubbing Lisa’s face in it.”
A New Life and Unfulfilled Dreams
McPartlin’s current life is reportedly far removed from the 23 years he spent with Armstrong. The couple now reside in a £10 million mansion in Surrey, a move reportedly influenced by McPartlin’s desire for a better educational environment for his son. Sources familiar with the couple describe their current life as ‘calm’ and ‘happy,’ with ample space and amenities, signifying a ‘big new reset in life’ for McPartlin.
The contrast with Armstrong’s situation is stark. Having experienced several relationships that have not lasted, she finds it ‘incredibly difficult’ to observe this new chapter in McPartlin’s life unfold so publicly. A significant point of pain for Armstrong is the fact that she and McPartlin were unable to have children together despite years of trying, a dream that McPartlin has now realized with Corbett. Armstrong reportedly expressed being ‘dumbfounded’ upon learning of his impending fatherhood through media reports.
“They went through so much to have a baby but couldn’t,” a friend explained. “But now he has managed it. He left her childless and moved on with his life. It’s heartbreaking to watch.”
Shared Grief and an Awkward Reunion
The couple also shared custody of their beloved dog, Hurley, a chocolate Labrador. His death earlier this year brought Armstrong and McPartlin together for the first time since their separation, in a veterinary clinic discussing his prognosis. This shared grief, however, underscores the profound changes in their lives.
A showbiz source commented, “It’s all OK for Ant, isn’t it, his life has all fallen into place… But left behind is Lisa. And while she refuses to be any kind of victim, something about all of this feels a bit mean. It’s a heartbreaking tale of divorce.”
