Lisa’s ready to love again
Two years after her split from Ant McPartlin, pals say Lisa Armstrong finally feels free to move on
She was all smiles as she left a Strictly afterparty last week, staying defiant amid her bitter ongoing divorce battle with Ant McPartlin.
And insiders reveal Lisa Armstrong, 43, has finally got her spark back, thanks to best pal Craig Robert Young – who’s vowed to help the celebrity make-up artist find new romance as she prepares for a showdown with her ex in court.
Her former Deuce bandmate plans to whisk away his friend on a lavish holiday to Mexico over the New Year, and is advising Lisa to focus on her future happiness in the build-up to finalising her £62 million divorce from the
I’m a Celeb! host, 44.
DATING APPS
A source says, “Lisa’s been going through hell behind closed doors. Craig knows how much she needs a breather, so he’s booked a trip to stay in the best resort in Cabo. He really wants her to be able to relax. They’re going as part of a group that includes some single guys, and he hopes she will hit it off with one of them. If not, he can be her wingman on nights out.
“Ultimately, he’ll encourage her to get back out there and realise how much of a catch she is. He’s already been urging her to download dating apps, too.”
Ant and Lisa split in January 2017 after 11 years of marriage, when it emerged that he had been struggling with an addiction to painkillers after knee surgery. And Lisa was said to be heartbroken when, just months later, it was revealed Ant was dating her former friend and Ant’s PA, Anne
Marie Corbett, 43.
DIFFICULT
Their divorce has raged on since, with their dispute mainly being Lisa’s refusal to sign a non-disclosure agreement, along with her apparent desire to have her day in court. And pals say the Mexico break couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. The source adds, “This time of year is really difficult for her, with all the hype over her ex being back on TV. It’s also the first Christmas following the death of her beloved dad Derek, after a lengthy cancer battle. It’s also hard for her to be seeing Ant and her former friend happy together in Australia.
“She’s understandably feeling anxious about coming face-toface with her ex in court and is hoping the trip away will help her to de-stress and mentally prepare for what’s ahead. Craig really wants Lisa to move on and she’s agreed that now is as good a time as any. Up to this point, she’s been focusing mainly on her career – but she says she needs something positive in her life, even if it is just having a bit of fun with a friend, on holiday.”
❛ IT’S HARD FOR HER TO SEE ANT AND HIS GIRLFRIEND HAPPY IN AUSTRALIA ❜