Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ANT’S WIFE
I’m happier now we are living apart
TELLY star Ant McPartlin’s wife Lisa Armstrong has admitted she is “much happier” now they live apart – sparking fears their 11-year marriage really is over.
Lisa, 41, has confided in friends that Ant’s public battle with painkiller addiction left her “emotionally drained” and “weighed down” with worry.
When the I’m A Celebrity host returned from rehab in America in October he moved out of their £6million West London home into a rented house, to give them both space to re-evaluate their relationship.
But now the top make-up artist, who works on Strictly Come Dancing, has told pals she feels stronger, happier and comfortable with her new-found independence – denting hopes that the pair will be reconciled.
And, while she has kept a dignified silence, a source told the Sunday Mirror: “Ant has had a dreadful year, but Lisa has gone through hell too.
“The intense pressure of the situation left her emotionally drained and was really taking its toll. Back in October she was terribly stressed and worried and seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.
“It was clear to those close to her she was brokenhearted. But it’s obvious she’s been so much happier since they’ve been living apart – especially when he flew to Australia to film I’m A Celebrity.
“In November, when Ant was out of the country, she had some real breathing space and could just get on with her life and career.
“She started to feel stronger – like her old self again. She’d been moody and snappy but when he moved out she changed overnight... a different woman.
“It’s not that she stopped fighting for their marriage.
“Lisa fought her heart out and stood by Ant through all of it because she loves him dearly and wants him better.
“But, quite understandably, she does not want to go back to living like they were before.
“The thought of being put back through all that stress must scare her. Everyone who knows them respects that.
FAMILY
“From what I can gather it’s pretty much over for her and she’s just trying to get on with her life.”
The couple spent Christmas apart. Ant, 42, joined family at his mum Christine’s home in Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, while Lisa stayed in the South East.
He has since returned to London – and is understood to be back at his rented property.
The couple have been together for 23
From what I can gather it’s pretty much over and she is just trying to get on with life LISA ARMSTRONG’S PAL SPELLING OUT FEARS FOR MARRIAGE
Ant has had a dreadful year but Lisa’s been through hell too, it was really taking a toll CLOSE FRIEND REVEALING STRAIN THAT HIT RELATIONSHIP
years and photos show how close they were as they celebrated showbiz success alongside Ant’s great telly pal Declan Donnelly.
Early pictures show Ant and Lisa beaming with Dec and his then actress girlfriend Clare Buckfield.
Years later they pose in another happy foursome – this time Dec is with wife Ali Astall.
Lisa and Ant met at Newcastle City Hall in 1994 when she was part of the band Deuce and he and Dec were performing as pop duo PJ & Duncan.
They dated for 11 years before Ant popped the question. They tied the knot in 2006 in Taplow, Bucks, in front of more than 150 friends and family – and with Dec, 42, as best man.
But despite fame and fortune the couple have been unable to fulfil their dream of having kids. In June this year Ant revealed a botched knee op in 2015 had left him in such pain he had been diagnosed with clinical depression and become hooked on prescription painkillers. He admitted taking a cocktail of drugs, including tramadol, morphine, diazepam and codeine.
He finally realised he needed help when he had to be rushed to hospital after begging Lisa to call 999. Ant said: “I was at the point where anything — prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs — I would take.
“And take them with alcohol, which is ridiculous. The doctors told me: ‘You could have killed yourself ‘.”
Speaking after leaving rehab in August, Ant apologised for the pain he had caused Lisa. He praised her for coping “brilliantly”, but confessed the ordeal had put a strain on their relationship.
He said: “I’ve put Lisa through hell with mood swings and depression and how it affects you.
“I’m very sorry about the effect it has on partners. This kind of stuff puts strains on any marriage.”
Asked if he thought their marriage would emerge unscathed, he added: “All I can say is that she’s been amazing – fantastic throughout. She’s been very supportive. Time will tell.”
Ant was pictured without his wedding ring on a trip to the theatre in London on Thursday with his sister Sarha Nigrelli, 40.
Lisa has not commented publicly about the situation but revealed some of her feelings through retweeting and liking comments from fans on social media.
One post she “liked” said: “Some people forget it’s hard for the addict but harder for the partners and family to support them before during and after. Stay strong.”
On December 29, she liked one that said: “Remember, it is easiest to find the light when you are surrounded by darkness. Strength is not determined by what people see, but by the battles one faces in silence.”
She also liked a post from artist Banksy which said: “Not everyone will understand your journey.
“That’s okay. You’re here to live your life, not to make everyone understand.”
A tweet saying “addiction is a cruel illness, causes so much more damage than just to the person suffering” also got her support.
And Lisa retweeted a fan’s post and thanked her for saying: “Congrats on being fiercely talented, fiercely strong and fiercely independent – you rock.”
Ant’s representatives declined to comment and Lisa’s were unavailable.