Anthony McPartlin, an English television presenter best known as part of the duo Ant and Dec, is a household name in the UK.
For years the pair hosted Pop Idol and Britain’s Got Talent, and in 2003 they even starred as themselves in the British film Love Actually.
At the same time Britain was falling in love with McPartlin, so too was a young woman named Lisa Armstrong.
The two met at a concert at Newcastle City Hall in 1994. Armstrong was part of popular band Deuce, and McPartlin was performing alongside Declan Donnelly in their duo titled PJ & Duncan.
It would be the beginning of a relationship that lasted more than two decades, with the pair marrying 12 years later in 2006.
Armstrong, who pursued make up artistry, worked on programs with her husband including Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
But even more public than their love story, was the tale of their fallout.
After 11 years of marriage, the pair split earlier this year, and the British tabloids covered it with characteristic tenacity.
In a statement released to The Sun in January, McPartlin’s spokesperson said: “In response to the recent speculation in the media, Ant is very sad to announce that, after 11 years, he is ending his marriage to Lisa McPartlin.
“Ant asks for privacy at this difficult time, for both himself, Lisa and their immediately families. No further statement will be made,” the statement concluded.
But this week, paparazzi photographs emerged confirming a relationship between McPartlin and his personal assistant, 42-year-old Anne-Marie Corbett.
For many years, Corbett and Armstrong were good friends, with Corbett formerly working for the couple.
Armstrong first acknowledged the news in a tweet with two broken heart emojis.
To a friend who tweeted, “Sending my love Lisa!! Really feel for you worst pain ever,” Armstrong replied, “Thanks babe and to think she was MY friend xx.”
Armstrong also referred to Corbett as “OUR pa,” referring to her role as their personal assistant, “who I let into OUR home.”
It would seem neither McPartlin or Corbett had informed Armstrong of their new relationship, leaving her to find out through the tabloids like everybody else.
In response, Armstrong simply said, “Nope. Just how you guys did,” suggesting she had not yet been privy to the information.
Top Comments
"After 11 years of marriage, the pair split earlier this year, and the British tabloids covered it with characteristic tenacity."
Pot, meet kettle...?
Mamamia turned into the Daily Mail so gradually, I barely noticed...
Dear god Rush, I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard!! Savage (but true).
Credit where it’s due, I nicked the line from The Simpson’s (and adapted slightly.)
Rush appears to get comments published quickly and without censorship. Probably the only reason (accurate) criticism of this site made it through (it's usually blocked).