The Britain’s Got Talent star recently said farewell to his beloved pet pooch, Hurley

Ant McPartlin has delivered a heartfelt tribute to his beloved dog Hurley on his podcast with Declan Donnelly, disclosing that he has shed many tears since the chocolate Labrador’s passing.

The 50-year-old television presenter spoke candidly about losing his 12-and-a-half-year-old companion on the latest episode of Hanging Out with Ant and Dec.

“He passed away in my arms. We were at the vet’s and we were all there to see him, all the family, everyone that he loved was there,” he said.

“It was a very sad, but it was a very lovely moment when we all got to say goodbye to him,” Mr McPartlin told listeners.

Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong recently bid farewell to their beloved dog Hurley

The I’m A Celebrity host described Hurley’s death as “such a shock” and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from strangers approaching him everywhere, including while on holiday.

The poignant moment at the veterinary practice brought Mr McPartlin face-to-face with his former wife, Lisa Armstrong, for the first time since their separation eight years ago.

The couple, who divorced in 2018, had been embroiled in a contentious legal dispute over custody of the Labrador they adopted together in 2013.

Mr McPartlin reportedly instructed his lawyers during proceedings: “She can have anything she wants, except the dog.”

The pair ultimately reached an arrangement to share Hurley, though they avoided direct contact throughout. Declan Donnelly is understood to have served as a go-between, ferrying the dog between their respective homes.

The chocolate Labrador was put to sleep after veterinarians determined he was too unwell to recover, with both former partners present to say their farewells.

Mr McPartlin opened up about the daily reminders that have left him in tears since Hurley’s death.

“I’ve cried a lot. I’ve cried… for anyone that’s lost a pet that is beloved to them, then my heart goes out to you and I know how you feel because it’s tough,” he said.

Armstrong and McPartlin split in 2018 | GettyThe presenter explained that walking his two remaining dogs along familiar routes triggers waves of emotion, as does the simple act of preparing their meals.

“I’d cry in the middle of walks and I cried making their dog food because the bowls are next to his bowl, but it’s been awful,” he admitted.

Mr McPartlin expressed deep appreciation for fans who have approached him with condolences, describing their kindness as “really quite soothing” and genuinely helpful during his grieving process.

Ms Armstrong paid her own tribute on social media earlier this week, sharing nostalgic photographs of Hurley from his puppy days alongside a video montage set to Tasha Bennett’s Love Like This.

The Strictly Come Dancing makeup artist posted the poem Rainbow Bridge on her Instagram Stories, which concluded: “You were never just a dog but always our best friend.”

She also uploaded an image of Hurley resting by a fireplace with the caption: “Forever our boy.”

Celebrity friends, including Sophie Ellis Bextor, Emma Bunton, Anthea Turner and Gemma Atkinson, offered their condolences.

Hurley held particular significance for Mr McPartlin, who has previously credited the Labrador with supporting him through his battles with alcohol and drug addiction, even visiting him during his time in rehabilitation.