Lisa Armstrong, the ex-wife of Ant McPartlin, has reportedly split from her actor boyfriend Grant Kilburn — just weeks after friends insisted she was “happier than ever” in the new relationship.
The Strictly Come Dancing make-up artist, 49, and the 34-year-old actor are said to have quietly gone their separate ways last month. A source told The Mirror the break-up was sad but amicable, saying simply that “it wasn’t to be.”
Only weeks earlier, insiders had painted a very different picture, claiming Lisa had found renewed happiness and confidence following her highly publicised divorce from Ant in 2018. Friends said she had grown accustomed to being in relationships where she played “second fiddle”, but this time felt different.
According to those close to her, Lisa was finally putting herself first. She was said to be taking things slowly, wary of being hurt again, yet enjoying a romance in which she was treated “like a princess”. One source said her partner’s life “revolved around hers” and that he adored her, constantly telling her so. They added that Lisa had come into her own professionally, with her new partner encouraging her success rather than overshadowing it.
Their romance was first revealed in December after they were introduced by friends Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton following a theatre performance. The couple are currently touring the UK in the stage production 2:22 A Ghost Story, in which Grant also stars.
At the time, sources said Lisa and Grant quickly hit it off, keeping things low-key while juggling busy schedules — Lisa with Strictly Come Dancing and Grant touring the country. Friends said Lisa was simply enjoying the moment after years of personal upheaval.
Lisa’s private life has been marked by significant challenges in recent years, including her split from Ant after more than two decades together, the end of a later relationship in 2023, and a devastating fire at her £5million Chiswick home. Despite this, friends have repeatedly praised her resilience and determination to rebuild her happiness.
