Lisa Armstrong was reunited with a familiar face from her past this week as she continues to grieve the death of her beloved dog Hurley, the chocolate Labrador she once shared with ex-husband Ant McPartlin.
The 49-year-old make-up artist was spotted enjoying a low-key brunch in Los Angeles on Thursday alongside former Deuce bandmate Craig Robert Young and his husband, advertising executive and film producer Michael Di Girolamo.
Appearing relaxed despite recent heartbreak, Lisa stepped out in a loose-fitting sweater and cargo trousers as she spent time with close friends during her stay in southern California — a trip that comes at a deeply emotional moment.
Armstrong was seen smoking a cigarette as she checked her phone during a brunch date in Los Angeles
A Reunion Years in the Making
The outing marked a rare public reunion between Armstrong and Young, who enjoyed fleeting pop fame together in the 1990s as members of manufactured group Deuce.
Formed in 1994 by legendary music manager Tom Watkins, Deuce also included Kelly O’Keefe and Paul Holmes, and went on to score four Top 30 singles in the UK charts before disbanding in 1997.
Armstrong has maintained a strong friendship with Young, who married Michael Di Girolamo (pictured) in December 2023
While Armstrong — a BRIT School alumna — later carved out a hugely successful career as a television make-up artist on flagship shows including The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent, Young relocated to Los Angeles in 2001 to pursue acting.
Life in LA — And Long-Standing Friendship
Now based in the US, Craig Robert Young has built a solid acting career, with screen credits including Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melrose Place and the hit drama Lost, which became a global phenomenon following its 2004 debut.
He also portrayed silent film icon Charlie Chaplin in director David Fincher’s 2020 film Mank, an acclaimed biographical drama about screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz.
Despite living on opposite sides of the Atlantic for more than two decades, Armstrong and Young have maintained a close friendship. Craig married Michael Di Girolamo in December 2023, and the trio appeared in good spirits as they stepped out together for brunch.
Armstrong stopped off at a local supply store for a new tote bag during her latest day out in southern California
Grieving the Loss of Hurley
Lisa’s trip comes amid the devastating loss of Hurley, the 12-year-old Labrador she shared with McPartlin, who was put to sleep earlier this month following a period of illness.
The dog held such significance in the former couple’s life that Hurley became the subject of a custody battle during their acrimonious divorce in 2018.
So strong was their attachment that McPartlin famously refused to give up full custody, reportedly telling lawyers at the time: “She can have anything she wants — except the dog.”
To avoid face-to-face contact, Hurley was even ferried between the former couple by the TV presenter’s chauffeur.
Final Goodbye
It is understood that McPartlin was aware of Hurley’s declining condition and rushed to be by Armstrong’s side at a veterinary clinic after attending a Britain’s Got Talent press conference in London. The pair later made the difficult decision to have their beloved pet put to sleep together.
McPartlin has since spoken emotionally about Hurley, once describing the dog as a source of unconditional love during his recovery from alcohol and prescription drug dependency.
“There’s a loyalty and a companionship with Hurley you can’t describe,” he said in a 2019 interview. “He’s always pleased to see me.”
A Symbol of What They Shared
The couple adopted Hurley in 2013 after struggling to have children during their 13-year relationship, making the dog an especially poignant presence in both their lives.
Armstrong frequently referred to Hurley as her “baby boy” on social media, with her last post featuring him shared on International Dog Day last August.
McPartlin, now remarried to Anne-Marie Corbett, welcomed his first child, son Wilder, in May 2024. The couple also share two Maltipoos, Milo and Bumble.
A Difficult Chapter
Hurley’s death comes shortly after Armstrong’s split from actor Grant Kilburn, with the pair reportedly parting ways last month — just weeks after friends claimed she was “happier than ever”.
During her LA stay, Lisa was seen stopping at local stores, chatting animatedly with friends and appearing momentarily lifted by the company of people who know her history — and her heartache.
