For the first time in weeks, Lisa Armstrong appeared at ease.

The former wife of Ant McPartlin was seen enjoying a low-key brunch in Los Angeles, stepping out with a familiar face from her past as she continues to process the devastating loss of her beloved dog, Hurley.

Dressed casually in a loose-fitting sweater and cargo trousers, the 49-year-old make-up artist looked relaxed and unguarded as she spent time with longtime friend Craig Robert Young and his husband, advertising executive and film producer Michael Di Girolamo.

A Reunion That Spans Decades

The outing marked a rare public reunion between Armstrong and Young, who first rose to fame together in the 1990s as members of manufactured pop group Deuce.

Formed in 1994 by legendary manager Tom Watkins, the group — which also included Kelly O’Keefe and Paul Holmes — scored four UK Top 30 singles before disbanding in 1997.

While Lisa later carved out a hugely successful career behind the scenes on flagship shows including The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent, Craig relocated to the US in 2001 to pursue acting.

Life in LA — And a Friendship That Endured

Now based in Los Angeles, Craig Robert Young has built a solid acting résumé, with credits in Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melrose Place, and global hit Lost. He also portrayed silent film icon Charlie Chaplin in David Fincher’s acclaimed 2020 film Mank.

Despite living on opposite sides of the Atlantic for more than two decades, Armstrong and Young have remained close. Craig married Michael Di Girolamo in December 2023, and the trio appeared in high spirits as they stepped out together — sharing jokes, chatting animatedly and enjoying a rare moment of lightness.

At one point, Lisa was seen smoking a cigarette as she checked her phone, before stopping at a local store to pick up a new tote bag during her day out.

Grieving the Loss of Hurley

Lisa’s trip to Los Angeles comes at an intensely emotional time.

Earlier this month, she and McPartlin were forced to say goodbye to Hurley, the 12-year-old chocolate Labrador they adopted together in 2013. The dog, who had been struggling with illness, was put to sleep — a decision the former couple made together.

Hurley held such deep significance that he famously became the subject of a custody dispute during their acrimonious divorce in 2018. McPartlin reportedly told lawyers at the time: “She can have anything she wants — except the dog.”

To avoid face-to-face contact, Hurley was even transported between the pair by chauffeur.

A Final Goodbye Shared

It is understood that McPartlin rushed from a Britain’s Got Talent press conference in London to be by Lisa’s side at the veterinary clinic as Hurley’s condition worsened.

Both have since spoken emotionally about the loss.

McPartlin previously described Hurley as a source of unconditional love during his recovery from alcohol and prescription drug dependency.

“There’s a loyalty and companionship you can’t describe,” he said in a 2019 interview. “He’s always pleased to see me.”

Lisa, meanwhile, often referred to Hurley as her “baby boy” on social media, with her final post featuring him shared on International Dog Day last August.

A Difficult Chapter — And a Glimmer of Support

Hurley’s death comes just weeks after Lisa’s reported split from actor Grant Kilburn, following claims that she had been “happier than ever” shortly before their breakup.

During her LA stay, however, the make-up artist appeared momentarily lifted by the company of people who know both her history and her heartbreak — a reminder of the bonds that remain, even as life quietly shifts.

The Daily Mail has contacted Lisa Armstrong’s representatives for comment.

Source: Adapted from reporting by https://www.dailymail.co.uk/