Lisa Armstrong is one of the UK’s most successful makeup artists. She has headed the hair and makeup team on Strictly Come Dancing for 17 years [citation:6]. However, most people know her as the ex-wife of TV presenter Ant McPartlin. In 2026, searches for “Lisa Armstrong” remain strong. Fans want updates on her life, relationships and thriving career.
Like Michelle McSween, Lisa has built an impressive career independent of her famous former spouse. She has also faced personal heartbreak . Therefore, this guide covers everything about Lisa Armstrong’s early pop career, her divorce from Ant McPartlin, and her life today.
Who Is Lisa Armstrong? Age and Early Life
Lisa Marie Armstrong was born on 25 October 1976 in Oxford, Oxfordshire [citation:1]. She grew up in the Blackbird Leys area with her parents and older brother Stephen [citation:1][citation:9]. Her father’s profession remains private. She attended Peers School in Oxford before earning a place at the prestigious BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon at age 14 [citation:9].
After finishing school, she pursued a career as a dancer. However, her path soon changed dramatically when she joined a pop band. For more on celebrity career changes, read about Lauren Jaine’s modelling career and Kate Garraway’s new romance.
Lisa Armstrong’s Pop Career: Deuce in the 1990s
Before makeup, Lisa was a 90s pop star. She joined the band Deuce, which was put together by Tom Watkins. He had previously managed East 17, Bros and the Pet Shop Boys [citation:2]. The band consisted of Kelly O’Keefe, Craig Young, Paul Holmes and Lisa Armstrong [citation:2].
Their debut single “Call It Love” was released in January 1995. The song entered the UK charts at number 21 and peaked at number 11 [citation:1][citation:9]. They released three more singles before O’Keefe left the band in November 1995 [citation:2]. The group disbanded soon after [citation:1].
Speaking to the Royal Television Society in 2020, Lisa shared: “I was a dancer and went to the Brit School, then joined the pop group Deuce. We toured for a couple of years but, when that came to an end, I was at a loss. I was 21 and thought, ‘What the hell do I do now?'” [citation:2]
Strictly Come Dancing: Her Award-Winning Career
After her pop career ended, Lisa trained as a makeup artist. She is now head of makeup and hair for Strictly Come Dancing [citation:5]. This is her 17th year in the role [citation:6]. Her work has earned her multiple prestigious awards.
She won the Royal Television Society Award for Make-Up Design in Entertainment & Non Drama [citation:10]. Her team also received a CRAFT BAFTA for the Strictly Halloween Special [citation:5]. In November 2024, she made a rare TV appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two to discuss her role [citation:6].
She told host Janette Manrara: “It’s so much fun, it’s hard work but it’s just brilliant, best job in the business” [citation:6]. She also described the “chaos” backstage during Halloween Week and Icons Week [citation:6].
For more on Strictly stars, read about Lewis Cope’s Strictly journey and Ashley Cain’s charity work.
Lisa Armstrong’s Marriage to Ant McPartlin
Lisa married Ant McPartlin on 22 July 2006 at Cliveden, a country house hotel in Buckinghamshire [citation:1]. Dec Donnelly served as the best man [citation:9]. The couple had met when they were both performing at a pop concert at Newcastle City Hall in 1994 [citation:9]. Ant proposed while they were on holiday in Dubai on 26 April 2005 [citation:9].
Their marriage lasted 11 years. They announced their decision to divorce in January 2018 [citation:3]. The divorce was granted quickly, with Lisa citing intolerable conduct on the part of the respondent [citation:2].
The Divorce Settlement and Property Portfolio
Lisa was reportedly awarded a £31 million settlement from Ant [citation:3][citation:7]. However, she has denied receiving that exact amount. She wrote on Instagram: “For your record, did not receive £31 million” [citation:4].
She has built an impressive property portfolio since the divorce, kept their former family home, a £2.3 million five-bedroom west London mansion [citation:3]. In 2020, she bought a £3.8 million house in west London [citation:3]. She renovated it completely, adding a pool, gym and outhouse. In 2024, she purchased a four-bed house near Oxford for over £700,000 [citation:3].
For more on celebrity finances, read about JoJo Siwa’s net worth and Gemma Collins’ wealth.
House Fire and Sale of Marital Home
In September 2023, disaster struck Lisa’s former marital home. The property caught fire, causing an estimated £1 million worth of damage [citation:3]. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended the scene [citation:4]. The blaze is believed to have been electrical [citation:4]. Taking to Instagram after the fire, Lisa shared a heartbreaking quote: “Once the heart gets too heavy with pain, people don’t cry. They just turn silent. Completely silent” [citation:4].
In October 2025, she put the house back on the market for £3.4 million [citation:4]. Before the fire, the property was worth in the region of £7 to 8 million [citation:4]. A pal said: “Lisa just wants the house off her hands now. It’s the only thing linking her to Ant” [citation:4].
Lisa Armstrong’s Relationships After Ant
Lisa dated Sky electrician James Green from 2020. Their split came “out of the blue” in August 2023 [citation:4]. A friend said the end of their three-year relationship was amicable [citation:3]. However, reports later claimed she was fighting over a £100,000 loan she had allegedly given him [citation:4].
In late 2025, she was reportedly dating actor Grant Kilburn, who is 34 years old. The pair were introduced by Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley [citation:4]. A source said: “She’s taking it slow, she doesn’t want to get hurt again” [citation:4]. Sadly, that relationship also ended [citation:4].
The Tragic Death of Her Dog Hurley
In February 2026, Lisa suffered another heartbreaking loss. Her beloved dog Hurley passed away at age 12 [citation:8]. Hurley had been at the centre of the custody battle during her divorce from Ant. The former couple shared joint custody of the Maltese dog.
A source said: “The one thing they both loved was that dog. The dog brought them together and was like an anchor. Lisa has been very hurt by Ant, but they were able to put that behind them in the vet’s office. It was a truce” [citation:8]. With Hurley’s passing, the last ties of their marriage have been cut. Following the loss, Lisa jetted off to the US to be with friends [citation:8].
For more celebrity news, read about MAFS UK 2026 updates and Coronation Street spoilers.
Why Lisa Armstrong Is Trending in 2026
Lisa Armstrong continues to trend for several reasons. Her role on Strictly Come Dancing keeps her in the public eye. The death of her dog Hurley and the passing of her last tie to Ant made headlines. Her brief romance with Grant Kilburn also generated media interest. Additionally, the ongoing sale of her former marital home continues to draw attention.
She remains one of the most successful makeup artists in British television. Consequently, searches for “Lisa Armstrong” remain consistently strong in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Lisa Armstrong?
Born 25 October 1976. She is 49 years old as of 2026 [citation:1].
What is Lisa Armstrong’s net worth?
Online estimates place her net worth at approximately $5 million [citation:1].
Was Lisa Armstrong in a band?
Yes. She was a member of the 1990s pop band Deuce [citation:1][citation:2].
Is Lisa Armstrong still on Strictly?
Yes. She has been head of makeup and hair for 17 years [citation:6].
Who is Lisa Armstrong dating now?
Her recent relationship with Grant Kilburn has reportedly ended. She appears to be single in 2026 [citation:4].
Does Lisa Armstrong have children?
No. She has no children from her marriage to Ant McPartlin [citation:1].
To Get More Entertainment Insights Click On
Michelle McSween: Will Mellor’s Wife – Dancer, Actress, Performing Arts School Owner and Family Life
Chesney Hawkes Wife: Kristina ‘Krissy’ Hawkes – Their Marriage, Children and Life Together in 2026
Ashley Cain: Former Footballer, Reality TV Star and Charity Champion – Full Story 2026
Alfie Boe Wife: Who Is Sarah Boe? Their Marriage, Divorce and Where Is She Now in 2026
To Get More Info: Derbyshire Daily