Comedian pulls out of play after ex-partner’s suicide

COMEDIAN Matt Lucas has pulled out of a West End play after his ex-partner killed himself, reportedly hours after posting a message on Facebook saying “Kevin McGee thinks that death is much better than life”.

Lucas, best known for his role in the popular television comedy Little Britain, has put his appearances in the London production of Prick Up Your Ears on hold until further notice, producers said in a statement yesterday.

“Our thoughts are with Matt whom we are in constant touch with,” the statement read.

“Until further notice, his role of Kenneth Halliwell in the West End production of Prick Up Your Ears will be played by his understudy Michael Chadwick.”

Lucas, 35, and TV producer McGee, 32, tied the knot in 2006 but broke up in 2008 in what was described at the time as the first celebrity gay couple to separate since Britain introduced civil partnerships for same-sex couples in 2005.

According to British media, McGee was found hanged at his apartment in Edinburgh on Monday.

“Police were called to an address in Bruntsfield Gardens around 8am yesterday morning, where a 32-year-old man was found dead,” police said in a statement.

“There are no suspicious circumstances.”

Lucas has been playing Kenneth Halliwell in Prick Up Your Ears, based on the true story of how playwright Joe Orton was murdered in 1967 by his lover Halliwell, who then committed suicide.

The actor was “utterly destroyed” by McGee’s death, according to the Sun tabloid which first broke the story.

According to reports, police were alerted by a friend and went to Mr McGee’s flat, where he was found.

The former couple met before Lucas hit new heights of success with the BBC comedy series Little Britain.

They tied the knot in a civil partnership ceremony and celebrated with a panto-themed reception with guests including Elton John, Will Young and Paul O’Grady.

Their relationship broke up in 2008 and their union was officially dissolved in January this year.