Lisa’s celeb pals vow to make her the next big star
As she bounces back from her split with Ant McPartlin, Lisa Armstrong’s friends, including Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan, are helping her follow in her ex’s famous TV footsteps
She recently confessed she’d “love” her own show following her highly praised appearance in BBC’s make-up series Glow Up last month – her first mainstream TV gig in front of the camera since finalising her lengthy divorce from Ant McPartlin.
Make-up artist Lisa – who heads the glam team on
Strictly – was an instant fan favourite after appearing as a guest judge on the new series, which sees aspiring make-up artists compete for their dream job. Many took to Twitter to recommend she reprise her role, with one writing, “Loved you on this, absolute natural. Hope they have you on again.” Another added,
“You were so supportive and gave them handy tips. You would make a good 3rd judge for the show.” And insiders say the overwhelmingly positive support has given
Lisa, 43 – who showed she wasn’t opposed to the idea by responding to one tweet, “would love to” – a much-needed confidence boost, with friends, including Piers Morgan, Simon Cowell and Stacey Dooley all offering to help her carve out a new onscreen career.
A source says, “The positive reaction to Glow Up has given Lisa the motivation to pursue projects she’s always dreamt about, like doing a reality show around the launch of her own make-up school and fronting another talent-style series.
“Showbiz pals Piers, Simon and Stacey have all thrown their support behind her too – messaging to congratulate her and hailing her screen presence. They all agree she needs her own show and have offered to help her pursue her dream in any way they can. She’s flattered and touched by the attention.”
SUPPORT
Last month, Lisa, 43 – who was make-up expert for This Morning and has appeared in online show The Updaters and Strictly’s spinoff It Takes Two – revealed how she texted pal Piers Morgan, 55, to tease him about his makeup skills, after lockdown left the Good Morning Britain host without professional help.
The outspoken presenter – who’s worked with Lisa and her ex-husband Ant McPartlin for years – has publicly supported the make-up artist in the aftermath of her 2018 split from partner of 23 years, Ant, and her heartache over his new relationship with friend AnneMarie Corbett, 43.
The source adds, “Piers has been Lisa’s rock and has long been encouraging her to
do more onscreen work, insisting she has a natural warmth and authenticity that viewers relate to.
“He feels she has that edge and a raw honesty in that she’s not afraid to critique contestants with quick oneliners, which also makes for great telly. He’s even joked she could become the ‘nation’s new sweetheart’, in reference to the coveted crown once held by X-Factor judge Cheryl.”
OPPORTUNITIES
Lisa was reportedly dropped from her role as make-up artist on Britain’s Got Talent after bosses ruled it would be “untenable” for her and presenter Ant, 44, to continue to work together.
But she’s been making the most of her Strictly work and the opportunities to branch out into new areas onscreen.
And insiders say pal and BGT judge Simon Cowell, 60, and Strictly champion Stacey Dooley, 33 – who recently heaped praise on her friend, saying, “I really admire Lisa because she has really carved out this magnificent career for herself” – are throwing their support behind her, too, with
Simon offering to connect Lisa with industry executives in LA. Lisa temporarily moved to LA after her marriage breakdown, where she was looked after by her close pal and former Deuce bandmate Craig Young.
The source says, “Simon’s assured Lisa she’d always have a job in TV if she ever decided to move to LA. He’s encouraged her to meet with producers who created the US version of Glow Up and to speak with his ex, make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy, who has an influential network. Meanwhile, Stacey has told her to follow Piers’ advice and continue showing the public the real her – she’s urging her to consider doing a documentary about the life of a make-up artist.”
POSITIVITY
Lisa has been through a tough time since her 11-year marriage ended in January 2018, following Ant’s spell in rehab for drink and prescription drug issues.
Things had been rocky between the pair ever since Ant announced their split in 2017 – a statement Lisa did not put her name to. In 2018, Lisa appeared to take aim at Ant’s girlfriend when she tweeted Anne-Marie was “My friend and OUR PA who I let into OUR home.”
But after it was revealed the pair had mended their suspected feud after reaching a divorce settlement in January and reportedly agreeing to share custody of their beloved labrador Hurley, pals say Lisa is determined to put all the negativity behind her and focus on her new career move.
The source adds, “Lisa’s been through hell and back over the last few years and she wants to close the door firmly on the past and move forward with her life.
“She’s so grateful for the incredible support she’s had from her friends. She can’t wait to fulfil her career goals and she’s brimming with positivity about the future.”