Matt Lucas to divorce

Matt Lucas in first gay celebrity divorce

Little Britain star Matt Lucas has split from his husband just 18 months after getting married.

Lucas and TV producer Kevin McGee got 'married' in a civil partnership ceremony, which was followed by an extravagant pantomime-themed reception at a 17th Century palace in December 2006.

The pair describe the split as 'amicable'. A joint statement from legal representatives Mishcon de Reya (hired by Lucas and the company that worked with Heather Mills) and Withers LLP read: 'It is with sadness that Matt and Kevin announce that their relationship has come to an end.

'Their separation is amicable. They ask the press to respect their privacy at this time and to exercise restraint in any reporting of this matter.'

The couple had been together for nearly four years before tying the knot at Home House in London. The reception, held at Banqueting House in Whitehall, was a grand fancy dress affair. Lucas attended as Aladdin and McGee went as Prince Charming.

Guests included Elton John (Captain Hook), Barbara Windsor (The Fairy Godmother), Courtney Love (The Queen of Hearts), and, of course, David Walliams, who went as a spoof Christopher Biggins.

One legal source suggested that McGee should expect a house, a period of financial maintenance, and a substantial lump sum as they co-habited for much of the four years they were together before the civil union.

Friends say the pair have simply grown apart and fallen out of love, partly due to seeing less and less of each other as Lucas's career has taken off and McGee's has stayed the same.