Ant McPartlin divorce from wife Lisa confirmed in sad statement

Ant McPartlin has confirmed his divorce from wife Lisa after months of speculation as to the status of the couple's marriage.

In a sad statement made via his spokesperson, Ant announced that after 11 years of marriage, he and his wife Lisa would be getting a divorce.

The TV host told The Sun On Sunday: 'In response to the recent speculation in the media, 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.'

The confirmation of the couple's divorce comes after months of rumours about their impending separation having dogged the couple as they have attempted to carry on with their careers in the spotlight.

Ant made a triumphant return to I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here at the end of 2017, looking happy and healthy with best friend Dec out in Australia where they film the award-winning show, after his stint in rehab earlier in the year to tackle his problems with alcohol, substance abuse and prescription drugs. Meanwhile Lisa remained in the UK, where she works as a make-up artist on Strictly Come Dancing.

Despite rumours of a rift between the couple, Lisa responded to questions about the status of the couple's marriage by tweeting that she hadn’t been out to Australia with Ant for 10 years.

However, Lisa also insinuated that 2017 had been a rotten year, tweeting a photo on January 1st that suggested she was glad to see the back of last year.

Ant McPartlin and Lisa have been together for 23 years and married in 2006.

Fans of the couple have already begun to take to social media to share their reaction to the news, stating that they are 'gutted' that the couple are splitting up, and to share their support for the pair.

'Gutted for Ant and Lisa' wrote one fan, with another adding, 'Really sad to hear that Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong have not been able to work things out.'

Our thoughts are with both Ant and Lisa at this difficult time.