Ant McPartlin’s estranged wife Lisa Armstrong reveals she was with Dale Winton just a week before his sudden death as she thanks him for his ‘words and support’

ANT McPartlin’s estranged wife Lisa Armstrong has revealed she was with Dale Winton just a week before his sudden death and hinted he offered her support during her marriage breakdown.

The make-up artist, 42, took to Twitter to pay tribute to the much-loved TV star who passed away aged 62 yesterday, calling him “one of life's true gentlemen”.

She wrote: “Absolutely gutted, only saw him last week. He was one of life’s true gentlemen, a heart of gold with a wicked sense of humour. 😪😪😪 RIP lovely man x.”

Lisa later added that Dale had offered her “words and support”.

She wrote: “What a kind beautiful soul you are. Will never forget your words and support. RIP #dalewinton ��😪😪 xx.”

Lisa’s marriage to Ant ended in January following a turbulent year that saw him go to rehab for his alcohol and painkiller addiction.

Last month she endured further heartbreak after her presenter ex caused a car accident after drink driving and returned to rehab.

In a statement it was confirmed Dale passed away at his home yesterday.

His long-term agent Jan Kennedy said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today.

“While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief.”

After the sad news broke, his fans flooded social media with tributes to the telly star - with Piers Morgan leading the messages of condolences.

Piers told his followers: “RIP Dale Winton, 62. Very sad news. A warm, funny man & superb TV presenter.”

Davina McCall also paid tribute to Dale and told her followers: “I am so so so sad to hear about Dale Winton. A lovely, warm, kind, sensitive, generous soul with a touch of naughty! RIP.”

Graham Norton tweeted: “Dale Winton gave me the best bit of showbiz advice I ever got - Don’t quit the hit! Thank you Dale.”

Frank Bruno added: “Very sad to hear that Dale Winton has passed away, to to young, my thoughts are with his family.”

Actor Jack Whitehall said: “Desperately sad news about Dale Winton. A really funny and kind person gone too soon, RIP.”

Paddy McGuinness was a big fan of Dale's and said this evening: “Sad news. Back in the day Supermarket Sweep was the programme to watch. Dale Winton was the perfect host, he made it all look effortless. RIP.”

Dale's good friend David Walliams simply wrote online: “Heartbroken”.

Dale last appeared on screen in February for his show Florida Fly Drive.

He was plagued with health problems in the months leading up to his sad passing.

He told the TV Times in January this year: “I’ve kept a low profile because I had about four surgeries.

“I had a shoulder problem and a knee problem, so I took a break to get myself sorted.

“It meant I couldn’t exercise, so I’ve been dieting like crazy, but then when I was asked to do this show I thought it would be fun.”

He also spoke about his hopes to return to the show that he was best known for, Supermarket Sweep.

He said: “Well, the company that made it originally took it to the TV festival in Cannes recently and it created a lot of interest.

“I loved doing that show so if they wanted to do it again I would.”

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