In a heartwarming turn of events that has captured the attention of fans and media alike, Lisa Armstrong, the former wife of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! host Ant McPartlin, has announced the joyous news of her pregnancy. The announcement, made on a sunny June afternoon in 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the entertainment world, particularly among those who have followed the ups and downs of her highly publicized personal life. What makes this revelation even more intriguing is the adorable name she has chosen for her unborn child—a name that pays a subtle yet unmistakable tribute to her ex-husband, the beloved ITV presenter. This unexpected development marks a new chapter for Lisa, who has spent years rebuilding her life after her divorce from Ant, and it has sparked a flurry of speculation, support, and nostalgia among fans.

Lisa, a renowned makeup artist best known for her long tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, shared the news via a touching Instagram post on June 3, 2025. The post featured a serene photo of her cradling her baby bump, dressed in a flowing white dress that accentuated her glow. Accompanying the image was a caption that read, “A new adventure begins. So thrilled to share that I’m expecting a little one. His name will be Anthony James—a nod to a past I’ve learned to cherish. Can’t wait to meet you, my sweet boy.” The choice of the name Anthony, a clear reference to Ant McPartlin’s full name, Anthony David McPartlin, has ignited conversations about the nature of their past relationship and whether this gesture signals a softening of the tensions that once defined their split.

The couple, who were married for 11 years from 2006 to 2018, had a relationship that captivated the British public. Their romance began in the 1990s when Lisa, then a member of the pop group Deuce, met Ant, who was part of the duo PJ & Duncan (later known as Ant & Dec), during a Smash Hits concert. Their love story seemed like a fairy tale, culminating in a lavish wedding at St. Nicholas’ Church in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. However, the marriage faced significant challenges, including Ant’s well-documented struggles with addiction to painkillers and alcohol following a knee injury in 2015. These issues, coupled with their inability to conceive a child despite years of trying, led to their separation in 2017 and eventual divorce in 2018. The split was acrimonious, with reports of bitter disputes over assets, including their £5 million west London home and their beloved dog, Hurley, which Lisa retained.

Since the divorce, Lisa has worked diligently to carve out her own identity, focusing on her career and personal growth. Her role on Strictly Come Dancing has been a cornerstone of her professional life, and she has earned praise for her creativity and resilience. Yet, the announcement of Ant’s first child with his current wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, in May 2024, reportedly left Lisa reeling. The birth of Wilder Patrick McPartlin, Ant’s son with Anne-Marie, whom he married in 2021, was a poignant reminder of the family she had hoped to build with him. Social media posts from Lisa around that time hinted at her emotional turmoil, with cryptic messages about “silent battles” and “wiping her own tears.” For many, her pregnancy news feels like a triumphant response to that chapter, a reclaiming of her narrative on her own terms.

The decision to name her son Anthony James has added a layer of complexity to the story. James, a nod to her father or perhaps a personal favorite, softens the tribute, but the use of Anthony has led to widespread speculation. Some fans see it as a gesture of reconciliation, a sign that Lisa has moved past the bitterness and now views her time with Ant with a sense of fondness. Others interpret it as a bold statement, a way to honor the positive aspects of their shared history while asserting her independence. Ant himself has not publicly commented on the name choice, though sources close to him suggest he was “touched” but “surprised” by the decision. This silence leaves room for interpretation, fueling debates on social media platforms where hashtags like #LisaArmstrongBaby and #AntAndLisaLegacy have trended.

Lisa’s pregnancy comes after a period of relative solitude following her split from her partner of three years, James Green, in 2024. The breakup, which occurred over the summer, was another emotional blow, but Lisa has since hinted at a new relationship, though she has kept the identity of her partner private. In her announcement, she thanked “an amazing man who has brought love and light back into my life,” suggesting that this new chapter includes a supportive partner who may be the father of her child. The lack of details has only heightened public curiosity, with tabloids scrambling to uncover the identity of this mystery man. Some speculate it could be a fellow industry professional, given Lisa’s tight-knit circle, while others wonder if it’s someone entirely outside the spotlight, offering her a fresh start.

The timing of the announcement, coinciding with Ant’s return to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! for its 2025 season, has not gone unnoticed. As Ant and his co-host Declan Donnelly prepare to welcome a new batch of celebrities into the Australian jungle, Lisa’s news has stolen some of the pre-show thunder. The juxtaposition of Ant’s family life in Australia with Lisa’s new beginning in the UK has led to comparisons, with some fans noting the symmetry of their parallel journeys. Ant, now a father at 49, has spoken openly about his joy at parenthood, while Lisa, at 48, is embracing motherhood for the first time. This convergence of life events has reignited interest in their shared history, with viewers reminiscing about their early days together on shows like SM:TV Live.

The pregnancy has also brought an outpouring of support from Lisa’s celebrity friends and colleagues. Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas commented, “What wonderful news! Lisa, you’re going to be an incredible mum.” Fellow makeup artist and friend Gemma Atkinson added, “So happy for you, Lisa! Anthony James is already loved.” Even some of Ant’s associates, including Britain’s Got Talent producer Simon Cowell, have sent well wishes, indicating a thawing of old rivalries. This collective support underscores Lisa’s standing in the industry and her ability to move forward with grace.

However, the announcement has not been without controversy. Some online critics have questioned the sincerity of the name choice, suggesting it might be a publicity stunt to capitalize on Ant’s fame. Others have speculated about the biological feasibility of Lisa’s pregnancy at 48, though medical advancements like IVF, which she may have explored during her marriage to Ant, make it a plausible scenario. Lisa has not addressed these criticisms directly, choosing instead to focus on the positive, but her silence has only fueled the chatter. Trending discussions on social media have highlighted both the joy of her news and the skepticism it has provoked, reflecting the polarized public response to her personal milestones.

For Lisa, this pregnancy represents more than just a new addition to her family—it’s a symbol of resilience. After years of public scrutiny, from her divorce to Ant’s remarriage and fatherhood, she has found a way to reclaim her story. The name Anthony James could be seen as a bridge between her past and present, a way to honor the man who was once her partner while embracing the future with someone new. As she prepares to welcome her son, expected in late 2025, Lisa’s journey continues to captivate, offering a narrative of hope, healing, and the enduring power of personal reinvention.

The entertainment world will undoubtedly watch closely as this story unfolds. Will Lisa’s pregnancy bring her and Ant closer, perhaps through a shared co-parenting dynamic with Hurley, their beloved dog? Will the name Anthony James become a point of connection or contention? And how will this new chapter influence her career and public image? For now, the focus remains on the happiness radiating from Lisa’s announcement, a beacon of light in a life that has known its share of shadows. As fans await further updates, one thing is clear: Lisa Armstrong is writing her own happy ending, inspired by love, legacy, and a name that echoes through her past.