BGT axes star’s make-up artist ex
Sterling: I expect no less than ‘racist’ abuse
LISA armstrong has been dropped as a make-up artist for Britain’s Got More Talent after 10 years on the show, because it was “untenable” working with ex ant Mcpartlin.
Ant, 43, is set to return to work when Britain’s Got Talent starts filming next month, having taken a year off following his booze and prescription drug addiction, and a drink-driving car crash in March.
Lisa has been axed to ensure his return to TV “goes smoothly with no unnecessary distractions”, a BGT insider said.
The source added: “Although everyone is very fond of Lisa, it was clearly untenable to carry on working together.
“Ant and Dec are two of the most senior people on the show, sometimes these tough decisions have to be made.”
Friends of Lisa, 42, said that she had been expecting to be dropped.
A pal added: “Lisa was officially told last week but knew it was coming for months.
She’s a free- MANCHESTER City’s Raheem Sterling has responded after allegedly being racially abused by a fan at the weekend.
The Premier League star, 24, said yesterday: “I just had to laugh because I don’t expect no better.”
It comes after a Chelsea fan allegedly shouted, “you f **** ing black c***”, at Sterling during City’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, South West London, on Saturday.
Sterling received a wave of support from fellow players, commentators and politicians, as Chelsea were urged to ban the fan for life. The Met Police,
ant and Lisa in 2015 lancer so doesn’t have the same protection as a full-time employee.”
Ant has been keeping a low profile since announcing he wouldn’t be taking part in I’m A Celebrity, preferring to stay home with Pa-turned-girlfriend Anne-marie Corbett.
“Ant needs to make sure his return to telly goes smoothly. Producers are rallying around him. While Ant and Lisa are consummate professionals, executives want to create an environment in which he can thrive.”
Another pal of Lisa on the programme said: “BGMT is a very close-knit family, so Lisa will be sadly missed.”
Lisa has also worked on shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Pick Me!
In August, Ant and Dec said Saturday Night Takeaway would be back in 2020.
ITV’S director of television Kevin Lygo said the channel was “completely supportive of Ant taking as much time as he needs”.
Ant and Lisa, who married in 2006, were granted a decree nisi last month after he confirmed the split in January. Chelsea and the FA are investigating the incident. A Met spokesman said yesterday: “There have been no arrests and our inquiries continue.
“We are liaising with both clubs. We are aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player.
“We continue to review the footage and CCTV to determine whether any offences have been committed.”
Lord Ouseley, chairman of antiracism charity Kick It Out, called on football’s leaders to address the issue.
He said: “What happened at Chelsea shows what is still going on in football. We do not have any leadership at the top of the game to speak out – they rely on Kick It Out.” He said of Sterling: “I have every sympathy for him.”
■ Two people have been arrested for alleged racial abuse of Motherwell player Christian Mbulu, 22, during a clash with Hearts at Tynecastle Park.
Police viewed footage of 20 fans shouting on Saturday. Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson said the incident is “an absolute disgrace”.