Television personality Ant McPartlin has shared an emotional tribute to his cherished dog, Hurley, after announcing the pet’s passing and admitting he has shed many tears over the loss.

The 50-year-old presenter from Newcastle discussed the painful event on his latest podcast episode alongside his longtime friend and co-host, Declan Donnelly.

Following a contentious divorce, Ant and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong had agreed to share custody of Hurley.

Reflecting on Hurley’s passing, Ant expressed his gratitude: “I want to say thank you. I’ve received an outpouring of sympathy and well-wishes for Hurley, who has passed away.”

He added, “It was such a shock when it happened, but the love and support from people everywhere have been overwhelming. Whether I was on holiday or just walking down the street, strangers have been approaching me with kind words.”

As pictures of Hurley appeared on the screen in the studio, Ant continued to reminisce: “That’s my lovely boy, Hurley. He was a unique chalky brown Labrador, and he was 12 and a half years old when he passed away.”

Ant McPartlin has emotionally paid tribute to his beloved dog Hurley as he revealed he has ‘cried a lot’ following his death

As snaps of Hurley appeared on the studio screen, Ant continued: ‘There’s my lovely boy, Hurley. He was a chalky brown Labrador. He was 12 and-a-half when he passed’

‘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, and it was a very sad, but it was a very lovely moment when we all got to say goodbye to him.’

Daily Mail previously revealed how Ant and Lisa were reunited eight years after their split for the heartbreaking moment.

Ant went on to say: ‘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.

‘You’re just reminded of him all the time, you know, wherever you go, the walks, because I’ve still got two other dogs, so I still have to take them for walks, so the walks that we go on, the walks that we used to go on with him, 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, but thank you.

‘Thank you for coming over. Thank you for speaking to me. I’ll never, not thank you for that, because it actually, it’s really quite soothing and it does help. And it’s nice to hear if you’ve ever lost a pet or a dog, especially that you’re close to that, just how much it means to you, so, thanks.’

Ant previously credited Hurley with helping him to overcome his battle with drink and drug addiction. 

Earlier this week Lisa shared a series of throwback snaps of Hurley as a puppy, showing off his joyful life on dog walks and at her home.

The makeup artist was inundated by condolence messages by her celebrity pals including Anthea Turner, Holly Willoughby’s sister Kelly, Gemma Atkinson and Sophie Ellis Bextor. 

Taking to her Instagram Stories, the Strictly make up artist posted the poem Rainbow Bridge in tribute to Hurley.

The poem said: ‘A part of our family, you were never just a pet, I still remember those puppy eyes the first moment that we met.

‘You bounced around so freely and scurried around our feet, the excitement that you’d show us, when we fetched you out a treat. 

‘You left paw prints on our hearts from the moment we brought you home, so many wonderful adventures, all the places where we roamed.

Ant had shared custody of Hurley with his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong following a bitter battle during their divorce

‘Always happy to see us, a wagging tail at the door, we’ll miss all of your tricks and the way you gave your paw.

‘You understood every word we said, loved us unconditionally, always at your happiest out exploring running free.

‘The rainbow bridge came to call you, our time came to an end, you were never just a dog but always our best friend.

‘The love we shared for you, something we will always cherish and remember, our dog, our friend, our chosen family member.’

She also shared a snap of him by the fireplace with the caption: ‘Forever our boy.’