Declan Donnelly is said to feel "torn" following best friend Ant McPartlin's split from his wife Lisa Armstrong. Ant and Lisa were together for 23 years before announcing the end of their 11-year marriage last week, and both Dec and his wife Ali Astall had understandably forged a very close bond with the make-up artist. According to the Mirror, Ali in particular has been a "shoulder to cry on" for Lisa in recent weeks, while Dec feels "very much torn" as a result of the "tremendously difficult situation". Ant and Lisa confirmed their separation at the weekend. They will come face-to-face on Tuesday, however, at the Britain's Got Talent auditions in Blackpool, with Ant and Dec hosting the show and Lisa backstage doing the make-up.
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Ant and Dec pictured with their wives Lisa Armstrong and Ali Astall
In a statement released on Saturday, the 42-year-old TV star's spokesman confirmed: "Ant is very sad to announce that, after 11 years, he is ending his marriage to Lisa McPartlin. Ant asks for privacy at this difficult time, for both himself, Lisa and their immediate families. No further statement will be made." It has been estimated that the couple's divorce settlement could cost around £31million – half of Ant's £62million fortune – making it one of the largest sums paid out by a UK celebrity.
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Following the announcement, Lisa, 41, has taken to Twitter to express her gratitude to fans for their support in the wake of the split, 'liking' a number of encouraging tweets from her followers – including one which read: "Going through difficult times we must always be reminded that better times are ahead. For a beautiful person like yourself it will be tough but keep your chin up and you will bloom again."
