Civil Partnership Breakdown

Little Britain star Matt Lucas has split from his long-term partner 18 months after the pair were "married" in a civil partnership ceremony.

In a joint statement issued by their lawyers, Lucas and Kevin McGee said their separation was "amicable". They asked the press to respect their privacy and to "exercise restraint" in reporting the matter.

The pair celebrated their civil partnership with a lavish, pantomime-themed reception in December 2006, when guests included Lucas's comedy partner David Walliams and Sir Elton John.

Lucas and McGee had been together for three years and were engaged for seven months before their civil ceremony. "We are very much in love, but also it's important that gay couples have the same rights as straight couples," Lucas said ahead of the ceremony.

The pair are thought to be the first gay celebrity couple to "divorce" since the civil partnership laws enabling same-sex legal unions were introduced in December 2005, and their split could be seen as a test case.

Lucas has employed the same high-profile law company used by Heather Mills and Princess Diana in their divorce battles.

Copyright © PA Business 2008