Matt Lucas enlists celebrity divorce lawyers in split with partner

Matt Lucas, co-creator with David Walliams of the BBC's Little Britain comedy series, has announced he is splitting up with his partner, Kevin McGee, 18 months after they were 'married' in a high-profile civil partnership ceremony (pictured). While the joint statement issued yesterday suggested there was no rancour - "It is with sadness that Matt and Kevin announce, etc, etc…" - this has not stopped Lucas from employing Mishcon de Reya, the high-profile law company used by Heather Mills and Diana, Princess of Wales, in their divorce battles.

The couple, who shared a £1.5m home in north-west London, are the first gay celebrity couple to 'divorce' since the civil partnership laws were introduced and their split is likely to be used as a test case. Some have speculated that Lucas could end up paying his former partner millions of pounds following the break-up.

Lucas, 34, is believed to have earned £6m in 2006 from the BBC and other deals for his comedy work, and his personal fortune is estimated between £10m and £20m. Under conventional divorce law, McGee, 31, would be entitled to half of this money but it is unclear what is due to him under a civil partnership arrangement.

The pair met in a nightclub in 2002 and became 'engaged' in 2006. Their wedding service was described as low key, taking place at Home House, a private members' club in London. But the reception, at Banqueting House in Whitehall, was one of the biggest showbiz events of the year – a lavish pantomime-themed event at which Sir Elton John, actress Barbara Windsor and rock singer Courtney Love were among the guests.