Ant McPartlin divorce – how much is the deal and why did they split?
ANT McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong have officially divorced in a huge £31 million deal.
The TV presenter, 44, has agreed to hand over half of his fortune but why exactly did the duo call it quits? Here's the full story...
Why have Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong divorced?
The Sun revealed that Ant had made the decision to end his 11-year marriage in December 2017.
Their relationship had been under pressure following his addiction to painkillers after knee surgery.
The couple's marriage officially ended in October 2018 at the Central Family Court in London after Ant admitted adultery.
Lisa took matters to the Royal Courts of Justice in a bid to get a share of the TV presenter’s £50million fortune and she was successful.
How much did the divorce cost?
Ant settled his bitter legal battle with the Strictly make-up artist, after a face-to-face meeting in January 2020.
The presenter is said to be “delighted” after agreeing to give Lisa over half of his £50million fortune.
Along with the £31million, Lisa will also keep the couple’s £5million former marital home in West London.
Lisa is not expected to be entitled to the ITV favourite’s future earnings as part of the deal.
Neither side is believed to have signed a confidentiality agreement.
Ant and Lisa also agreed to share permanent custody of their dog Hurley.
How Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong's divorce played out - a timeline
Here is a timeline of events:
- On December 23, 2017, it was revealed that Ant would NOT be spending Christmas with his wife Lisa.
- On January 6, 2018, it was reported how the couple's relationship was on the rocks.
- On January 13, 2018, The Sun's Bizarre column revealed that Ant and Lisa were divorcing after over ten years of marriage.
- On January 14, 2018, it emerged that after the divorce Lisa could be entitled to half of the TV presenter's estimated £62 million fortune.
- On May 31, 2018, it was revealed the couple are still "going ahead with their divorce" despite reports she had been helping "with his recovery" from his addictions.
- On June 17, 2018, Ant is revealed to have a new girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett.
- On June 24, Lisa went to LA to stay with a friend where it was reported she is hoping to "start a new life."
- On June 25, Lisa changed her Twitter profile pic from one of her with Ant to a selfie with her dog.
- On July 20, Ant and his girlfriend Anne-Marie were pictured out on a double date with Dec and his pregnant wife Ali Astall.
- On July 21, The Sun revealed that Ant had "begged" his estranged wife Lisa to hurry up and sign the divorce papers.
- On July 27, Lisa is spotted wearing her wedding ring to get a new tattoo in LA.
- On September 16, The Sun on Sunday revealed Lisa is to file for divorce on the grounds of adultery even though Ant began dating Anne-Marie after the couple split.
- On October 15, The Sun revealed that their marriage would officially end a day later.
- On October 16, the marriage officially ended and the divorce was finalised in 30 seconds after a judge granted them a decree nisi.
- On November 5, 2018, Lisa arrived at court to fight for a share of Ant's £62m fortune.
- On January 12, 2020, The Sun revealed that Ant had agreed to pay £31million and Lisa will also keep the £5million former marital home in West London.
More on Ant and Lisa
What has Ant said about the deal?
A source told The Sun that both sides are happy with the deal and pleased they managed to avoid a public court battle.
The insider said: "Ant and Lisa agreed to settle and sign their divorce agreement during a productive and civil meeting on Tuesday.
"Ant made a very generous settlement that works out to be more than half of everything that he has.
"He is delighted because it means he can put what has been a very difficult chapter in his life behind him and move on."
The source added: "For Lisa, the start of a new decade gave her a fresh mindset. It’s been tough but it’s time to move on.
“They both decided they wanted it resolved. There was no acrimony and both of them walk away contented."