Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong to ‘battle for custody of beloved dog’ in divorce proceedings

Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong are reportedly set to battle it out for custody of their five-year-old chocolate Labrador in divorce proceedings.

The I’m A Celebrity star and Hurley are firm pals, with the pooch even being granted special dispensation to visit McPartlin in rehab last year.

According to The Sun, the estranged partners – who are ending their 11 year marriage – could be forced to share custody of Hurley to avoid having to go to court.

“Ant adores Hurley – he’s like his child – but obviously so does Lisa who calls him ‘my boy’,” a source told the newspaper.

They continued: “It’s a very sensitive situation because they always thought they would raise him together, but they are currently sharing custody and there will be a formal agreement made in the coming weeks.”

The publication also reported the insider as saying that no final decision on their West London mansion had been made, despite reports that McPartlin is ready to hand Armstrong the keys to the house, which is next door his best friend Declan Donnelly.

Earlier this week, the paper also revealed McPartlin’s intention to halve his £62 million fortune with the make-up artist.

A source told them: “It’s a huge amount but he wants Lisa to be financially and emotionally supported.

“He still views her as a best friend and wants them both to be able to walk away from the marriage positively,” they added.