Lisa Armstrong has experienced a "rough time" following her divorce from television presenter Ant McPartlin, but she is "not bitter" and is actively moving forward with her life, according to her best friend and former Deuce bandmate, Craig Robert Young.
Young, a British actor, spoke to The Mirror about Armstrong's journey after her marriage to McPartlin, which ended in an acrimonious divorce in October 2018 after 11 years. McPartlin subsequently married his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, in 2021, and they welcomed a son in 2024. Armstrong also reportedly ended a relationship with actor Grant Kilburn earlier this year.
Despite the challenges, Young expressed pride in Armstrong's current state. "She's doing amazingly. I'm so proud of her," he said. "She's the head make-up artist for Strictly! She's so passionate about her career. She's had a rough time for sure, but she's come out the other side. She's moving on with her life – and she's not bitter."
Young also mentioned that Armstrong remains a close friend, visiting him in his Los Angeles home. "She comes to stay with me in LA. Lisa's one of my best friends of all time. She's so funny, loving and supportive," he added.
Armstrong and Young were part of the 90s pop group Deuce, formed in 1994. The group achieved four top 30 singles in the UK before disbanding in 1997.
Since her 2018 split from McPartlin, known for his television partnership with Dec Donnelly, Armstrong has faced several setbacks. In 2023, she separated from her boyfriend James Green. In the same year, a fire damaged her £5 million home in Chiswick. Friends have indicated that Armstrong has worked to overcome difficult periods following the divorce.
The couple's relationship began when they were teenagers, and they were together for over 23 years before their separation. Earlier this year, their shared dog, Hurley, passed away. Insiders reported that McPartlin arranged for flowers to be delivered to Armstrong's home the day after their beloved chocolate Labrador died, a gesture Armstrong reportedly found touching. The former couple briefly reunited at the veterinary clinic where Hurley was euthanized in March.