Matt Lucas of television’s Little Britain and his long term partner television producer Kevin McGee are separating, making this the first gay celebrity divorce. We all knew this day would sadly come, but the good news is that this isn’t one of the unions that have taken place since the Californian legalization in July, but the ending of a 18-month-long marriage in the UK.

The couple, who shared a home in north-west London worth 1.5 million pounds, are the first gay celebrity couple to “divorce” since the civil partnership laws were introduced and their split could be seen as a test case.

Some have speculated that Lucas could end up paying his former partner millions of pounds following the break-up.

Lucas has employed the same high-profile law company - Mishcon de Reya - used by Heather Mills and Diana, Princess of Wales, in their divorce battles.

In a joint statement Lucas and his partner, Kevin McGee, said: “It is with sadness that Matt and Kevin announce that their relationship has come to an end. Their separation is amicable.”

New Zealand Herald

There is some speculation that the divorce settlement could differ from a traditional marriage, and we will have to see how the UK handles it when partners separate from a civil union.

Matt Lucas and Kevin McGee married in a fancy dress event in December 2006, attended by celebrities such as Elton John and Courtney Love. Matt was dressed as Aladdin while Kevin was dressed as Prince Charming.

If you haven’t heard of Matt Lucas and Little Britain, it’s a UK television show that shows characters such as a teenage mother and a disabled man living in the council flats of England. The show was briefly very popular, and is now going to be produced in the United States for HBO. I have no idea why American networks take foreign shows and remake them - is it because US audiences don’t share the same humor? Or is it because they have a hard time with the accents?

http://www.celeb*tchy.com/12451/first_gay_celebrity_divorce_is_announced...